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48 Hours in Athens

Top Things to Do

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Top Restaurants in Athens

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Your Trip to the Greece: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Greece: The Complete Guide

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

Planning Your Trip

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

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

Currency: Euro (€) .

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

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

Things to Do

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

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

What to Eat and Drink

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

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

Getting There

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

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

Culture and Customs

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

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

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

Money-Saving Tips

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

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "General Info."

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "Geography."

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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 .

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10 Days in Greece: The Ultimate Greece Itinerary Guide

last Updated: May 17, 2024 athens delphi greece meteora mykonos santorini

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

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

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

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

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

10 Days in Greece: MASSIVE Greece Itinerary Guide

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

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

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

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

MAIN REGIONS VISITED ON THIS GREECE ITINERARY:

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

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

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

Planning a trip to the Mediterranean and looking for the best 10 day Greece itinerary?! You’re in luck, my Mediterranean-loving pal, I’ve got the perfect 10 days in Greece planned out for you below! AND if you want to extend your trip even further (aka see even more stunning islands), follow my advice for a complete 2 weeks in Greece!

Important Info for this Greece Itinerary

When to spend 10 days in greece:.

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GET TO GREECE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONEY AND EXCHANGE RATES

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

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

Top tips for visiting the beautiful Delphi, Greece! So much history here!

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

Health and Safety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

*More info on each one below in full Greece itinerary

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

Santorini : Astra Suites

Mykonos : Belvedere Hotel or Cavo Tagoo

A (few) Notes on Ferries:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Athens

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

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

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

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

Choose from plenty of these popular highlights below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few notes on Athens:

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

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

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

Where to Sleep: Athens Gate Hotel

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

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

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

Day 2: Delphi

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

Top tips for visiting the beautiful Delphi, Greece! A great day trip from Athens! So much history here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional tours to Delphi to look into:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Meteora

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

→ Read Next: Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Sleep: Athens

Day 4: Arrival in Santorini

And just like that, off to Santorini we go!

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

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

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

Getting to Santorini from Athens

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST DAY IN SANTORINI:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Night: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise

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

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

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

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

Where to Sleep: Astra Suites

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

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

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

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

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

Read Next: Where to Stay in Santorini

Day 5: The Highlights of Santorini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Choice Day in Santorini

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

Morning/Afternoon:

Option 1: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option 2: Go scuba diving

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Arrival to Mykonos + Old Town and Windmills

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

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

FIRST DAY IN MYKONOS

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

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

A few must-do’s in Chora:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8: Mykonos

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

Option #1: Beach Day

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

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

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

Option 2: Mykonos Cooking Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Mykonos and fly back to Athens

EXPLORE MYKONOS IN MORNING/MID-AFTERNOON

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

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

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

RETURN TO ATHENS

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

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

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

Where to Sleep : Athens

Day 10: Athens and/or Depart

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

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

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

OPTIONAL Days 11-14: Additional Island Hopping!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Planning a Trip to Greece: Your Travel Checklist

It seems like a trip to Greece is on everyone’s travel bucket list, and we can hardly blame them! Allison and I have both traveled extensively around Greece, exploring both mainland Greece and far-flung islands.

Since traveling to Greece can incorporate so many different types of travel styles, it’s common for people to have a lot of questions as they start planning a trip to Greece. Especially if you’re coming to Greece for a special event like an anniversary or a honeymoon, you’re probably concerned with how to plan the best Greece vacation.

To make it easier, we’ve created this easy 11 point checklist for traveling to Greece to help you make sure you’ve covered all of the important pre-trip planning steps so you can sit back and enjoy your Greek vacation once you get here! Consider this your one-stop Greece trip planner.

Want to pin this guide to planning your Greece trip? Click below!

Need help planning a trip to Greece? This Greece travel checklist is your ultimate guide to planning a Greece vacation. From Schengen visas to Greece itinerary inspiration to what Greek islands to pick, you'll find everything you need to plan an epic Greece holiday!

> Read Next: 30 Magical Things to Do in Athens in Winter & Athens Winter Day Trips! <<

Where to Stay in Greece

Greece - Athens - Parthenon temple over bright blue sky background, Acropolis hill, Athens Greecer with flowers

If you’re visiting Greece any time soon, you’ll probably spend some time in Athens before moving to discover other amazing places in the country. In that case, it’s a good idea to check this accommodation guide to Athens to find the best places to stay in Greece’s capital. Check this article as well, if you’d like to book a room with unforgettable Acropolis views.

Remember that booking early is always the best way to get better prices and nicer rooms! We recommend checking out Booking.com as early as possible since this is a popular time to visit. These are some of the places we suggest you check.

Budget: If you’re looking for a budget hotel in lively Monastiraki, book a stay at Fivos Hote l. Located right by Monastiraki Station, the hotel has free wifi and ensuite bathrooms. Check out prices and availability at Fivos Hotel here .

Mid-range: If you want more traditional accommodation, stay at the Kimons Athens Hotel in Plaka. The rooms are cozy and there’s a roof terrace that guests can enjoy. Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Kimons Athens Hotel here .

Luxury: To enjoy a bit of luxury in Monastiraki, check into the four-star Emporikon Athens Hotel on Agia Irini Square. The rooms are sophisticated and swanky, with a traditional take on comfort. Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Emporikon Athens Hotel here .

Step 1: Check to See if You Need a Visa

Greece is one of the two Balkan countries that are part of the Schengen Zone, the block of twenty-six European countries that use a common visa system.

Passport holders from Schengen Zone member countries do not need a travel visa to visit Greece:

Austria, Hungary, Norway, Belgium, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Finland, Lithuania, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, Greece, and the Netherlands

Additionally, passport holders from these countries can visit the Schengen Zone without a travel visa for up to 90 days out of a 180 day period:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong S.A.R*, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao S.A.R*, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova*, Monaco*, Montenegro*, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia*, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan**, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Countries marked with an asterisk have special requirements to be allowed visa-free travel to the Schengen zone.

Note that travel to one country in the Schengen Zone starts the clock on your ninety days, so you can travel to Greece for up to ninety days or spread it out amongst different countries.

If you have been traveling the Schengen Zone for a while before arriving in Greece, make sure you have enough days left so that you don’t overstay.

While we will try to keep this post updated, you also always want to check visa rules ahead of time with the country you are visiting as well as your own country. You can check updated Schengen Zone information here .

Step 2. Book Your Tickets

I’ll never forget seeing the view out of the plane window the first time I flew to Greece. Landing in Athens, it looked like I was flying into a mythical paradise.

I’d actually decided to visit on a whim since Athens was the cheapest flight from Cyprus, where I’d been staying. However, as soon as I saw Greece first-hand, I was hooked.

I am not the only traveler first enticed to visit Greece because of the abundance of cheap flights available. The country has a lot of cheap flights available from most of Europe, as well as having a lot of great budget flights to help you hop between Greek islands .

If you are coming from North America, flights will be more expensive. However, you may want to compare the prices of flying into Athens and flying to one of the islands directly when it comes time to plan a trip to Greece.

You may save money by spending a few days in Athens and booking a separate flight to the islands (or even taking a ferry).

To find the best value for your flights, we suggest Skyscanner and Google Flights . Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature to check all of the various airports in Greece, since the country has so many different ones. Google Flights has a nicer interface and updates with the correct prices faster, so there are no disappointments when you click through, unlike Skyscanner.

Step 3. Plan Your Greece Itinerary

Many people who visit Greece explore a combination of Athen and the mainland plus some islands. However, there are so many places to visit in Greece that it would be impossible to give one example itinerary that would cover all the best options. Here are some things you need to ask yourself when it comes time to plan your trip to Greece.

Am I interested in exploring Athens and seeing ancient sites like the Acropolis?
Do I want to spend time on mainland Greece seeing Meteora, Olympus, or the Oracle of Delphi?
Do I want to spend time exploring multiple islands and experiencing how they are different?
Do I want to explore one Greek island in-depth?

The answer to these questions will help you figure out how best to divide your time. I’ve spent almost two months in Greece, and I’ve barely scratched the surface! Don’t feel bad if you can’t see everything you want to on your first trip here. You can always come back!

Here are some good guidelines to keep in mind when planning a Greece vacation.

If you have four days or less to travel in Greece, stick to one place. This would be a great amount of time for an initial trip to Athens. You can even include one day trip like the Oracle of Delphi or a cruise to the nearest three Greek islands.

If you have a week, you can explore two places. Alternatively, you can base yourself somewhere for the week and add in a day trip or two. For example, you can spend three days in Athens and then four days in Crete or Rhodes.

You could also spend the week in Athens, but add in a day trip to Delphi, an island day cruise, or Meteora. Or you could spend three days in Athens, and then rent a car and see Meteora , Olympus, and Delphi on a Greek road trip. Greece has so many options, and it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to choosing how to plan a trip to Greece!

If you have more than a week, then I suggest spending a few days in Athens and then picking a few Greek islands to explore. For each island, you’ll want three or four days so that you have time to sightsee and also to relax.

While the most popular islands are Santorini , Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes, Greece has dozens of amazing islands for you to explore. You can also combine a few popular ones with one or two that are less touristy.

An important part of picking your Greece vacation itinerary is going to be knowing how you’ll get between destinations (unless you’re staying in one place). Check prices for both flights and ferries, and book these ahead of time if you’re traveling between April and September when it’s high season.

If you are trying to decide where to go in Greece, we’ve created a few pieces to help you decide:

Where to Go in Greece: 27 Top Greece Vacation Destinations
Greek Island Hopping: The Best Islands to Visit

If you are combining a trip to Greece with visits to additional Balkan countries, you’ll want to check out these Balkan travel resources. We think Bulgaria is the best country to combine with Greece, but Turkey is also an excellent choice.

These are the 12 Balkan Countries Plus the Top Reason to Visit Each One
The 10 Balkan Itinerary Commandments
41 Balkan Travel Tips
Balkan Bus Trips: 10 Things You Must Know Before Your Ride

Step 4. Plan Your Activities

After you decide where you’re going to go, you’ll want to decide which activities to enjoy. In Athens, it’s popular to do day trips to some of the more important sites on the mainland like Delphi, Cape Sounion, and Meteora. If you’re going to be on the islands, you will want to look into boating activities, water sports, and walking tours.

We use and recommend GetYourGuide for booking tours in Greece and the Balkans. We like that they have the best price guarantee and that they tell you the name of the tour companies they partner with (unlike Viator), so you can research it and be sure it’s worth your money!

If you are traveling between April and September, you will want to make sure your tours and activities are booked in advance since Greece is a hot tourist destination. I have traveled to Greece in the shoulder season (early April and October), and I still found that my tours were full or almost full.

Step 5. Budget Your Trip

Greece - Crete - Bus from Chania to Heraklion

Once you know where you want to go and how long you have, you can put together your trip budget.

Greece is a great budget-friendly destination compared to most of Western Europe, but if you’re traveling through the rest of the Balkans first, prices will seem a bit higher.

Even in cities like Athens and touristy cities like Rhodes, there are budget options available. We personally choose to stay in private rooms in hostels or AirBnB apartments over hostel dorms, but there are dorm beds available on almost every island to help you save money.

You can find hostels in Athens for around $15 a night, but expect to spend a bit more on the islands, up to $30 or even $40 in popular places like Santorini in the high season.

You can travel through Greece on $40 USD per day by staying in dorms, eating falafel and other cheap street food, and minimizing your activities and travel between places.

When I travel through Greece, I typically spend closer to USD 60 per day and enjoy that Greece offers some true bargains in this price range.

For someone wanting the best of everything, like fancy hotels, fine dining, and the best activities, you’ll find that this will cost much less than a similarly luxurious trip in France or Italy. So if you want to have a seriously bougie time somewhere, Greece is a great value.

Good ways to cut down costs without sacrificing quality is to travel with someone so that you can split costs, enjoy your nicer meals at lunch when there are specials, and opt for public transportation between cities whenever possible.

Step 6. Book Your Accommodations

Once you’ve decided out what you want to spend per night on accommodations, it’s time to book! We use Booking.com because we like that they have free cancellation if you end up changing your plans. This is critical in Greece since you may decide to change your itinerary if you uncover a new Greek vacation spot that you need to add.

Booking.com also has a wide selection of types of accommodations. On my last trip to Greece, I stayed at a budget hotel in Rhodes, a private villa in Crete , and a mid-range hotel in Athens.

One great way to keep accommodation costs down is to stay somewhere nice at one destination, and then pick a budget hotel at your next destination.

Step 7. Research Any Vaccinations You May Need

Greece - Crete - Seitan Limania Baby Goat

Greece has a lot of animals, both stray and wild. There are stray dogs and cats everywhere, many of which are taken care of by local business owners and families. Since we can’t help ourselves, visiting Greece is basically like visiting one giant petting zoo of friendly dogs and cats. The only animals we wouldn’t feel comfortable petting in Greece are bats (not that I would pet those anyways). According to the CDC :

Rabies is present in bats in Greece. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).

People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).

Anyone not at high risk for a bat run-in just needs to be up-to-date on normal shots:

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Step 8: Learn a Few Common Greek Words and Brush Up on the Greek Alphabet

One thing that a lot of travelers from North America and Western Europe overlook is that Greece still uses the Greek alphabet. This means that reading maps, street signs, and menus will be more difficult.

The more off-the-path you are (like when we visited the tiny beach town of Agia Triada outside of Thessaloniki), the more helpful knowing the Greek alphabet will be.

Most tourism professionals and people in the service industry speak amazing English. The one area where my friends and I found it more difficult not speaking Greek was when it comes to dating since locals who don’t interact with many tourists are less likely to speak fluent English. This does make for some fun misunderstandings, though!

The Greek alphabet was the precursor to Cyrillic, so many letters are similar. Plus, anyone who’s taken secondary math and science classes will be familiar with some of the letters.

For Americans who were in fraternities or sororities in college, your days of memorizing the Greek alphabet for rush will certainly come in handy here! (That’s how I learned it). Here’s a great primer for anyone who wants to brush up!

Here are the Greek phrases we recommend you have handy for your trip to Greece:

Hello = Yasou

Hi (Informal) = Yah

Good Morning = Kaliméra

Good Evening (Can also be used for Good Afternoon though it doesn’t technically mean this) = Kalispera

Good Night (right before bed only) = Kalinikta

Goodbye = Antío Sas or Yah

Please = Parakaló

Thank You = Efkharistó

Excuse Me = Synchoréste Me

Okay or Good = Kalós

I Don’t Understand = Den Katalavaíno

Do You Speak English? = Milás Angliká

Note that Greek is an inflected language, so pronunciation and inflection change the meaning. If a Greek doesn’t understand the word’s meaning based on your pronunciation, don’t be offended! English and Greek speakers mentally classify words differently in our heads.

One of the biggest misunderstandings native English speakers have in Greece is with the Greek word for yes. When a Greek says Ne, a lot of English speakers will inadvertently hear No . Be careful since this can cause headaches!

We always recommend a good translator app, like Google Translate, just in case!

Step 9. Pack Your Bags

We are in the process of creating packing lists to help you know what to pack for Greece, but until then, here are some items you don’t want to leave home without:

A Lonely Planet guidebook, to help you plan when on the ground
An unlocked smartphone, so you can buy a cheap SIM card and use taxi apps in Athens
An extra swimsuit so you can enjoy Greece’s beaches without having to put a wet one back on. Never go to Greece without a swimsuit! Even when you don’t think you’ll be at a beach, Greece tends to surprise you!
Seasickness pills and Seabands for taking the ferries between Greek islands.
Sunscreen (if you’re bringing checked luggage). Sunscreen and other cosmetics can be expensive in Greece compared to back home.

Step 10. Prepare For Your Arrival

Since there’s no universal way to arrive at a destination in Greece , you’ll want to do some prep work beforehand to make sure you know how you’ll get from the airport, ferry station, or bus station to your hotel.

Flying into Athens

This is the most common way for visitors to arrive in Greece. Since I first traveled to Greece in 2016, several things about Athens ground transportation have changed. Uber has been kicked out, so you have two options. Take a taxi from the official taxi stand (with a set rate) or take the train. I’ve used both, and the train will save you a lot of money while the taxi will save you a lot of time.

We were able to convince a taxi driver to take five of us into the city for ten euros more than the official rate, which saved us money. I don’t recommend this, however, as the ride was a bit harrowing!

While you can’t use Uber at the airport, you can use the taxi app Beat which works similarly to Uber after you’re in the city.

If you plan on taking the train into Athens, have the instructions written out and easily accessible since you may not have working data on your cell phone yet. We also recommend downloading the Google Maps area for wherever you travel so that it’s available offline.

Flying into Other Airports

I’ve also flown into Thessaloniki, Crete, and Rhodes, and at all three I found that the taxi rate was set from the airport. My Airbnb host graciously arranged to pick us up when we arrived at Thessaloniki, saving us a few euros.

Most airports also have public transportation options, though not all do. Because there are so many Greek airports, research the airport individually. For example, Crete alone has two airports with two different systems.

Before You Leave the Airport

You’ll want to have some Euros on you for your taxi or to get on a bus. You can take them out at the ATMs in the airports for the best exchange rates. Just make sure you don’t have big ATM withdrawal fees from your bank. Some banks require a travel notice, and others will still put fraud blocks on cards making purchases outside of their home country.

Tell your bank when and where you’ll be traveling to avoid this. They may still put a block on your card at some point (mine frequently does). To rectify this, you’ll need to call them or respond to an email if they send one. This is one reason it’s good to always travel with multiple cards attached to different accounts.

Note that many places in Greece take Visa and Mastercard, but you’ll still need some cash to be able to travel through Greece smoothly. It can be difficult finding places that take American Express.

Step 11: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Greece - Crete - Seitan Limania Goat Pee

We put this last so it’s fresh on your mind: travel insurance is essential for Greece and travel in general! Allison and I have both been paying customers of World Nomads for the last two years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. Also, car rental accidents in Cyprus, that time a goat peed on Allison’s dress, many cracked phone screens, the time I was too sick to fly to Santorini, etc. You get the idea!

While Greece is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin This Guide to Be Ready for Your Next Trip to Greece

Have you been to Greece before or are you planning a trip to Greece now? Leave your best Greece travel tips and any questions below!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

27 comments.

Hi….Thanks for your valuable advise. I am in greece from 31.5.19 to 7.6.19 and planning to spend my days in athens,santorini and mykonos. Kindly help me in distributing the days. My flight will reach at 20:25 to the Athens airport. Will I have enough time to catch a connecting flight to Santorini at 22:35 or 23:15 ? Is it safe for a family to land in santorini so late ?

Hi Harsh! I imagine this message is too late, somehow we missed your comment, sorry! We hope you have a great trip to Greece, sorry we weren’t able to get your message in time.

Hello. This article sure helped to get a picture of Greece. I am planning to visit Greece in August, probably 6-7 days. Athens being the airport i will arrive and leave Greece. Apart from Athens, i intend to visit Mykonos and Santorini. So could you please help me on how to split the tour. Like where to start from and how many days per place, etc. Or do you think i should cut off one island and visit a destination in mainland Greece. Your input will be very helpful. Thanks

Hi Vivek, with only 6-7 days I would recommend cutting off one island and then adding a day trip to either Meteora or Delphi (we have posts on them both) or perhaps doing a day trip from Athens where you visit 3 of the nearest islands. I would say 3 days in Athens (including 1 day for a day trip) and 3 days in either Santorini and Mykonos and one day free for travel at some point would be a good way to split it. Otherwise you’ll spend all of your time in transit with such a short trip.

My wife and I are planning a trip there in the near future. It has always been a dream of ours and we thought we wouldn’t ever be able to afford it since our kids steal all our money lol. But your article and looking around has made us see that this is a strong possibility for us! How many days would you recommend staying to really see Greece?

Hi Stefan! It definitely is a possibility for you – Greece is a lot more affordable than it looks! I highly advise traveling outside of the summer period when prices are easily 3x higher. For example, Stephanie and I had a room in Rhodes for $18 USD a night – no kidding – on Rhodes in mid-April, and it was already warm enough to swim (but just barely). Santorini and Mykonos are easily 2-3x the price of other islands. I’d strongly recommend focusing on cheaper islands if budget is a concern (so basically, stay away from Santorini, Mykonos all times of year and away from Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu in the summer high season).

Greece has hundreds of islands you can visit as well as a rich and diverse mainland – you could easily spend a year traveling it and not scratch the surface. But I’d say 10 days is a minimum to see mainland Greece and some of its archaeological wonders (Meteora, Delphi) and some of its islands. 14 days would be even better.

Thanks for sharing these excellent tips. Great post. This is really going to help me with my next greece Trip.

Thanks! Enjoy!

Hello! your article is so educative. Thanks for sharing! I’m planning to visit next year for 10days with a group of friends. What tips can you give?

1. Where to go (islands, structures, tourist spots) 2. Where to stay 3. Budget friendly hotels

Hi Moyo! Check out the following posts for more info:

1. Where to go: https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-go-in-greece-vacation-destinations/ 2. Where to stay: We are working on filling out our guides but these ones are finished — https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-stay-in-athens-hotels-accomodation-hostels/ for Athens and https://sofiaadventures.com/where-to-stay-in-rethymnon-hotels-hostels-crete/ for Rethymnon in Crete. 3. Those posts above should have budget hotels listed.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for your valuable advice! I want to plan my next autumn trip from Hamburg to Athens, and then I plan to go to Santorini. I have read that I have to rent a car in Santorini, if I want to wander around. Is that true? Are there buses on the island that go to the best beaches and villages?

Hi Getrud! Thanks for your comment. Renting a car in Santorini will definitely make things easier. There are some buses, but in autumn, the running times may be less frequent (though they will also be less crowded). Taxis are also an option, but they are expensive. I’d rent a car for a few of the days, but not all, if you are staying for a while in Santorini.

Athens is a city of history and culture. I love greek history and their lots of monuments and architectural amazes. I wish to travel Athens soon.

Thanks for your amazing travel guide, that was informative for me.

Thank you Tiana! We’re happy you enjoyed the post!

Hi! This is great information on Greece. I hope to travel to Athens with my 20 yrs son next year. Is October a good month to travel? How is the weather in October?

I love Athens in October! I spent the entire month there in 2016. The weather is cooler, but it can still get hot. It’s not beach weather anymore, but it’s great sightseeing weather! It definitely gets colder as the month goes on.

Am planning a trip with my friends to Athens in April of 2021. We enjoy the culture and history ofGreece. Great information.Very helpful. Thanks .

You’re welcome! We will publish TONS more post about travel in Greece between now and then, so come back and check our resources down the road!

Is February 2020 a good time to visit Greece mainland and Santorini and the ship wreckage island? Will 10 days enough to cover? Any day tour agency to recommend Delphi and Meteora? Pls advise. Thank you. Jessy .

Hi Jessy – it’d be a little cold, but no reason why not! The shipwreck island is Zakynthos and it’s quite far from the mainland and Santorini. I’d suggest cutting that and focusing on mainland Greece (Delphi + Meteora via Athens) and Santorini. That’d be a lot less stressful! We have tour company suggestions for Delphi + Meteora which you can find here: https://sofiaadventures.com/visit-delphi-or-meteora-greece/ . If you need more help, we offer itinerary planning services here: https://sofiaadventures.com/bespoke-balkan-itinerary-planning/

Hi, is late March a good time to visit Santorini? Is one week too long just to stay in Santorini? Would you recommend Athens + Santorini for a week? Also is it cheaper to book return flights to Athens from my home country and get a separate domestic ticket between Santorini and Athens? What are the baggage allowances for the domestic flights within Greece? Thank you so much for your help in advance!

Late March would be lovely! I was there at end of October and it was still quite crowded, but when I talked to my friends who visited in March they said there were very few people but it was perfect. Personally, I was in Santorini for 4 days and found that to be just right. I think one week would be ideal for Santorini and Athens, as Athens has some great sights to see and 3 days is a good introduction. It’s definitely usually cheaper to book flights to Athens roundtrip and then a separate ticket for Santorini and Athens. As for baggage, it will 100% depend on the airline so we can’t advise that! Sky Express I believe has the most generous allowances and Volotea is more strict, but there are a half dozen or so airlines serving this route and I don’t know them all 🙂

Hi. V well written. It was a grt insight for me to start planning. Which is a non – touristy month

The months that are the least “tourist” with weather that’s still nice are October and April!

Hello! is the corona virus affecting Greece? I am not sure whether to book a holiday there or leave it for a few months?? Any advice?

Sorry for the delay, I was taking maternity leave. Yes, I’m sure by now you’re aware that it’s affecting all of Europe. Greece is closed through at least May. I would avoid booking a holiday until borders are reopened.

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If you’re planning a trip to Greece in 2024, visit these 10 top destinations

Mar 4, 2024 • 6 min read

From iconic islands to major cities to the lesser-known, wild region of Epiros, our list of essential Greek destinations has a bit of everything © Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock

As its mythical Sirens were reputed to do, Greece has long lured travelers to its scintillating shores.

Across an expansive island archipelago, traditional whitewashed villages, azure seas and waterfront tavernas enchant visitors. Greece’s mountainous mainland, rich in UNESCO World Heritage–listed ancient sites, treasure-filled museums and spirited cities, is no less fascinating. As you contemplate your dream Greece itinerary, consider these 10 favorite places to add to it.

The Caryatids of the Parthenon at sunset, the Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Wherever you walk in Greece’s storied capital, the ancients have walked before – whether you see the evidence or not. From the Acropolis (whose jewel in the crown is the fifth-century BCE Parthenon ) to the underground metro (where some stations feature archaic finds), Athens is teeming with historical sites , monuments and museums. A combo card affords entry to the Acropolis and six more sites; the Acropolis Museum is also a must-see.

Easy to tackle on foot, Athens is also one of Europe’s liveliest metropolises – and strolls through neighborhoods like old-town Plaka , flea market–famous Monastiraki and hip Pangrati are highlights. By night, catch a live band in gritty Gazi , catch a movie at an outdoor cinema in Thission or go bar-hopping off the main commercial street Ermou.

Local tip: Book tickets online for a reinvented Greek tragedy or dance troupe performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater as part of the Epidaurus Festival , which takes place each summer.

Stunning photograph of a young woman diving in the deep and crystalline waters of the Cyclades islands, Milos,

A collection of over 70 beaches, sea caves hidden beneath limestone cliffs and technicolor traditional boat houses are just some of the reasons why mineral-rich Milos has won the hearts of many travelers. Evidence of its volcanic origins can be seen in the almost lunar landscape of Sarakiniko , where the more daring dive into a jade-colored Aegean. Arrive early at Gerondas beach to nab the generous shade of caves and enjoy floating silently in still waters.

Planning tip: Save a couple of days to spend on Kimolos, a small island northeast of Milos reachable by ferry. One of its most impressive beaches is Prassa, where coarse, blindingly white sand shows off shallow, aquamarine waters to full effect.

The medieval old town of Rhodes, Dodecanese, Greece

Rhodes has long been the Dodecanese ’s biggest draw thanks to its atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage–listed medieval old town . Transformed in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Order of St John into a formidable fortified city, it fell to the Ottomans, who erected mosques, baths and houses, many of which have been restored. Youngsters might envision armored men on horseback thundering down the cobblestoned Street of the Knights .

Make sure you visit the Palace of the Grand Master , which features stunning Roman and Early Christian floor mosaics, and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle.

Planning tip: Book a state-licensed tour guide to show you around the old town for a full picture of its long and fascinating history.

A couple walks among the iconic white buildings of Oia, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece

4. Santorini

Whether you’re coupled up or not, it’s hard not to fall for Santorini ’s charms. Whitewashed and pastel-hued, cube-shaped homes cling to steep cliffsides above a cobalt Aegean and the island’s famed caldera, formed by volcanic eruptions over millennia.

Weave your way through the narrow alleyways of the postcard-perfect village of Oia amid blue-domed churches. Bathe in thermal springs warmed by an active volcano, splay out on black-sand beaches and don’t miss the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri , which features an advanced drainage system.

Planning tip: Book a private tour of Santorini ’s smaller wine estates, whose new generation of vintners is breathing new life into traditional wines like mezzo and Nychteri.

Path to the Hermits Cave, near Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, Monodendri, Vikos Gorge, Greece

In Greece’s west lies Epiros , a remote region of soaring mountain peaks, fast-flowing rivers and hidden rock canyons. Hike to the alpine heights of Mt Tymfi’s Dragon Lake, which freezes over in winter, or traverse the thick forests, inclines and descents of spectacular Vikos Gorge . Whitewater rafting thrills and spills await in the Voidomatis or Arachthos rivers, while canyoning enthusiasts can choose from routes of varying difficulty.

View Of a windmill at the top of the whitewashed Hora Village in Serifos, Cyclades, Greece

6. Kythnos and Serifos

If peaceful sandy shores, unassuming waterfront tavernas and sleepy villages are more your style, the low-key West Cyclades isles of Kythnos and Serifos are worth a stop. Kythnos has deep, sheltered bays and tamarisk-dotted silver-sand beaches, among them Lefkes and Naousa.

Wallet-friendly tavernas line the laid-back fishing settlements of Loutro and Meriha, while wind-whipped Serifos , a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus , features sweeping sandy beaches, sheltered bays, ghostly mining relics and a jewel-like hilltop capital whose neoclassical town hall stands sentinel over the buzzy main square.

Inside Kapani, one of the largest and most popular markets of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece

7. Thessaloniki

At the crossroads of East and West, where the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have held sway over the centuries, Thessaloniki tempts serious foodies. Bougatsa , a phyllo pastry pie usually filled with semolina custard, spinach or mince meat, makes for a hearty breakfast. Pick up olives and spices at the olfactory-awakening open-air markets and Pontic cheeses from indoor food hub Modiano , which dates back to 1922. In the former oil merchant district of Ladadika, mezedopolia serve dishes revealing strong Anatolian and Middle Eastern influences, customarily with the fiery clear spirit tsipouro .

Planning tip: Thessaloniki is also renowned for its fish and seafood, served with fervor and pride whether it’s a backstreet taverna or an upscale restaurant. Bookings are recommended for the latter.

Amazing beach of Votsi in Alonnisos island, Greece

Tranquil, turquoise seas, fir-studded hillsides and a regal capital make Corfu one of the most beautiful parts of the country to go sailing. The Ionian isle is the ideal starting point for novices who can take a sailing course and gain certification.

Afterward, join a flotilla for a leisurely cruise around Corfu, dropping anchor at Kalami Bay (of The Durrells fame) and lush Paleokastritsa. In Corfu Town , admire Venetian fortresses, the French-designed Liston Arcade and The Palace of St Michael and St George , built during the island’s British administration.

Planning tip: Few venture to Erikousa island, northwest of Corfu, which is blessed with pristine beaches and shallow cerulean seas.

Venetian harbour of the Pittoresk Cretan town with colorful old houses and loads of people

Greece’s largest island, Crete abounds in historical sites, well-preserved monuments and modern museums. A wander through the Minoan-era palaces of Knossos , Malia , Phaestos and Kato Zakros won’t disappoint any fan of classical culture.

Stroll along the Venetian Harbour in Hania , lined with Ottoman monuments such as the Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque . Trek up to Byzantine and Venetian fortresses such as the Fortezza in Rethymno and Kastelli in Hania. In the east, the 16th-century Venetian fortress on Spinalonga islet reveals a harrowing, more recent past as a leper colony.

Among noteworthy museums are the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , Chania’s Maritime Museum of Crete , and the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna in Rethymno.

Homosexual couple watching the sunset at Mykonos

10. Mykonos

In the 1960s and 70s, Mykonos hosted roving hippies, celebrities and moneyed jet-setters who flirted and danced till the sun came up. While new five-star hotels and swanky brand-name restaurants may have altered the landscape and driven up prices, the fabled Cycladic isle still reigns supreme when it comes to summer nightlife in the Mediterranean.

Revelers can choose from the thumping bars lining Little Venice in Hora , as well as beach bars, cabaret restaurants and iconic clubs like seaside Cavo Paradiso , where illustrious music DJs fire up the crowd.

Planning tip: August is Mykonos’ busiest month. It’s also when you can witness the hottest DJs and surprise appearances by music artists, including prominent hip-hop names.

This article was first published Jul 5, 2021 and updated Mar 4, 2024.

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7 Days in Greece: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

7 days in greece: the best itinerary.

You’re traveling to Greece and you’re looking for the best 7 days Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this detailed 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Greece . During your trip, you will discover Central Greece must-see attractions.

Quick note: If you prefer to visit Athens and Santorini island during your trip, you should rather read my other itinerary: How to visit Athens and Santorini in 1 week.

In this travel guide, in addition to the best places to visit , you will find a list of the best accommodations depending on your budget . And as always, I will also give you all my best tips to make the most of your stay!

So, what are the best things to do in 7 days in Greece?

Where to stay in Athens

Where to stay in nafplio, where to stay in mystras, where to stay in olympia, where to stay in delphi, 6) return to athens (1 day), greece tours, renting a boat in greece, cyclades (greek islands), 1) athens (2 days).

To visit Greece in 7 days , you will directly land in Athens, the Capital.

The international airport is about a 50-minute drive from the city centre. For the first 2 days of this 7 days trip to Greece, you don’t have to rent a car, as you can easily visit Athens on foot.

However, you will need a car for the rest of your itinerary. You can rent your car at the airport on your first day, so you won’t have to come back later to get it. But if you prefer to save 2 days of rental, just pick up your car in the morning of the 3rd day.

In any case, when you rent a car in Athens , you should use the website Rentalcars.com . I’m using it everytime I need to book a car for 3 reasons:

On Rentalcars.com, you can compare prices between all the rental companies located at Athens’ Airport. You can also see the customers reviews.
You can choose the “Full Protection insurance” when booking. It allows you to get complete excess refund in case of car accident or theft.
You will get free cancellation or modification.
They have the “best price warranty”: if you find the same car cheaper somewhere else, they will refund you the difference!

Click on the button below to compare car rental prices:

So, if you’ve already rent your car, it will be easy to go to your hotel.

If not, you will have 4 choices to go to the city centre:

By taxi for 40€
By metro , using the line 3 (the blue one). The best option to avoid traffic jams!
By bus , with the X95 line. It goes straight to Syntagma Square, Athens’ central square. It’s the cheapest option, but not the fastest.
By using an airport shuttle service , if your hotel have one. Don’t forget to ask them if this service is available.

Now that you’re in Athens’ city centre, it’s time to discover Greece’s capital city.

When visiting Athens during a 7 or 8 days itinerary in Greece, you have to start with its most famous tourist attraction: The Acropolis.

Built on the top of a hill and overlooking the city, you can see the Acropolis from almost everywhere in Athens. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is totally worth it!

The best preserved and restored monument is the Parthenon. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, it was one of the first building to be entirely built with white marble.

On the site, you will also admire 2 other temples, also dedicated to Athena, as well as a theatre and an amphitheatre.

And, if you want to learn more about Greece’s rich History, you have to visit The Acropolis Museum. There, you will discover the numerous remains found on the site . Don’t forget to go to the top floor terrace, to admire the magnificent view of the Parthenon.

To avoid waiting in line, you can directly get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum here:

You can also visit the Museum first. It can help you understand the historical context before going to the Acropolis!

It will now be time to have a lunch break . Plaka district, located on the foothill of the Acropolis , is full of restaurants and taverns!

For example, you can try the Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant, just in front of the Acropolis Museum. Here, the typical Greek food tastes amazing. It’s so much better than some tourist traps you can find in the neighborhood.

If you don’t want to stop and eat in a restaurant, you can discover the traditional Greek sandwich: the chicken or pork Gyros. With an ice cream, or a Greek yoghurt for dessert, it was my typical lunch during my trip to Greece!

Then, start your afternoon with a walk in Plaka district, one of the oldest of the city. You will find many souvenir shops, but the place still looks picturesque.

After that, go to the Ancient Agora, for your 3rd visit of the day. The Agora was Athens’ main square in the ancient times. There, you will discover the Temple of Hephaestus , one of the best preserved doric temple in Greece.

You can also visit The Agora Museum , to help you picture what the site looked like in the classical Antiquity. It mainly houses statues discovered on the site.

At the end of your visit, go to Monastiraki district. This neighborhood is well-known for its many and varied shops . It feels a little like the Arabic souks! You will find everything you need: clothes, shoes, jewellery and souvenirs.

It will now be time to go up to Philoppapos Hill and watch the sunset over the Acropolis. On the top, you will enjoy a panoramic view of all Athens up to the Port of Piraeus!

If you’re not too tired and you feel like going out at night , you can end your 1st day in Greece in Gazi district. This is where you will find all the trendy bars and night clubs, and where everyone goes to party!

Spend a night in Athens.

The next morning, continue your 6-7-8 days in Greece with your 2nd day in Athens .

Your 1st stop will be the Panathenaic Stadium, or Kallimarmaro. Built in the 4th century B.C, this stadium was hosting major sporting events, like track and field competitions, chariot races and gladiator fights. The stadium was renovated to host the 1st Modern Olympic Games in the 19th century.

For 5€ , you can access the inside of the stadium, the bleachers and the track. If you don’t want to pay, just go to the public park next to the stadium. There, follow the path to the top of the bleachers , and enjoy the view of the Acropolis.

After that, just walk 5 minutes and have a brief stop at the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then, you can enter Zappeion Park and the National Garden (they are actually the same park) to enjoy some greenery.

Head to Syntagma Square, to attend the Changing of the Presidential Guard. This must-see attraction in Athens takes place every hour. You will be amazed by the traditional costumes of the guards (the Evzones), with skirts, white tights and pompom shoes!

On the square, you will also see the House of Parliament, the center of Greece’s political life.

Then, go to Ermou Street. Located right in front of Syntagma Square, it’s the place to be for shopping lovers! You will find here all the big international brands, like Zara or H&M.

If you go straight to the end of Ermou Street, you will be back in Monastiraki district. As you have already seen it on your 1st day, you should continue with a visit of Athens National Archaeological Museum. There, you will see amazing collections of ancient objects, from the Neolithic era to the end of the Roman period! The golden Mask of Agamemnon is one of the most famous pieces.

To end this great day in Athens, go up to Mount Lycabettus , one of the most famous point of views to watch the sunset over the Acropolis and the city. You can reach the top of the hill by foot, or using the cable-car.

Spend another night in Athens.

If you want more details about the things to see in Athens, you can read my article: Visit Athens: the 20 best things to do and must-see attractions

A 30€ combined ticket allows you to visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and other ancient sites: the Hadrien’s Library, the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora and the Lykeion.

It’s valid for 5 days.

To get this combined ticket, it’s very simple, you just have to book it by clicking on the button below:

To make them most of your visit to Athens, you should opt for the Athens City Pass. It includes all the must-see attractions , such as:

The combined Acropolis ticket mentioned above
The Acropolis Museum entrance ticket
An audio guide for your visit to Athens
A 10% discount on all other attractions in Athens

To book it, simply click here:

And if you want to learn everything about the Acropolis History , the best is to opt for a guided visit (it’s also a skip the line ticket).

The best guided tour in English is the one from GetyourGuide Originals. It’s so great that they will give you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time!

To book it, you just have to click on the button below:

Bedbox Hostel: A Youth Hostel located 300m from Monastiraki Square, and 700m from the Acropolis. Dormitory room starting from 18€ per night. Strong points: the location, the really kind staff and the cleanliness!
Evripides Hotel: Located 400m from Ermou Street and 500m from Monastiraki. The rooms are simple but comfortable, starting from 70€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location (perfect to visit Athens on foot) and the friendly and helpful staff! A great choice in Athens for its exceptional value for money!
Amalia Hotel: Located on Syntagma Square, just in front of the National Gardens. The double rooms are modern and spacious. Some of them even have a balcony with a nice view of the gardens. The price starts at 155€ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: The comfort, the generous breakfast, and the location in the centre of Athens.
Wyndham Grand Athens: 5-star Hotel located 1km from Ermou Street and 1.5km from the Acropolis. You’ll love the elegant and design double rooms here, starting from 200€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 16€. Strong points: the outdoor pool on the roof, the view of the Acropolis, the spa center, and the location right next to a metro station!
Electra Metropolis: This 5-star hotel is located only 200m from Syntagma Square and 600m from the Acropolis. The price for a spacious and comfortable double room starts at 270€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the ideal location, the view of The Acropolis from the rooftop, the amazing restaurant, the pool. The best choice for a luxury stay in Athens!

Electra Metropolis - 5-star hotel in Athens

2) Mycenae/ Epidaurus/ Nafplio (1 day)

Now that you have visited some of Athens must-see attractions, you can start your 7-day road trip in central Greece.

Get in your car, or go pick it up at the airport. It’s time to discover Peloponnese region!

Your first stop, the Corinth Canal, is located about 1h drive from Athens . Carved into stone, this impressive canal is very high and narrow. The biggest boats crossing just have a few centimetres of margin!

And for an exceptional experience during your itinerary in Greece, you can also do a 70m bungee jump over the Corinth Canal!

Then, take back your car for a 40-minute drive to Mycenae. Known as one of Greece’s most ancient site, Mycenae was the home of King Agamemnon, a Trojan War hero.

In Mycenae, you can visit the Royal Palace (also known as Agamemnon’s Palace), the Tholos Tombs , and an archaeological museum. As you remember, Agamemnon’s golden mask is not in Mycenae, but in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

The entrance fee costs 12€ , but I must warn you: the site is mostly in ruins. You will need a lot of imagination to picture what it looked like during the ancient times! If you are not an old stone lover, you can directly go to the next site.

After Mycenae, drive to another major archaeological site of Peloponnese: Epidaurus. It’s located 45 minutes away from Mycenae.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its ancient theatre, an architecture masterpiece. Built in the 4th century B.C, it has an exceptional acoustic. If someone drops a coin in the centre of the scene, another person located on the last seat row will hear it perfectly!

In Epidaurus, you will also find a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medecine. The site was an ancient pilgrimage site , and many sick people came here to ask for a miraculous healing. There is also a small archaeological museum.

Only the theatre is well preserved. The rest of the site is mostly in ruins, and surrounded by scaffolding.

Now, it’s time to drive to your last stop of the day, the lovely city of Nafplio , located a 30-minute drive from Epidaurus.

Nafplio is a small city, located on the sea side. The town is divided in 2 parts: a modern town, and an old town with its picturesque alleys. There, you will enjoy a pleasant walk.

You can also see 3 fortresses:

The castle of Bourtzi, located at the entrance of the port.
The ruined castle of Acronaflplia, with its nice view over the city and the Bourtzi. Easily accessible by car, it will take you only 5 minutes to drive there and enjoy the view.
The Palamidi fortress, overlooking the city. It’s by far the biggest and the most impressive of the 3! But don’t visit it yet, it’s on your next day’s schedule.

To end your day, go to Arvanitia beach, a small and nice pebble beach. The place is ideal to go sunbathing and swimming, and you can also rent deckchairs and beach umbrellas. Get some rest, there is a big day on the road awaiting you the next day.

Spend the night in Nafplio.

Agamemnon Hotel: Located in Nafplio’s old town, just in front of the Bourtzi Castle. The double rooms, with a balcony and sea view for some of them, are starting from 55€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the view, the kind staff.
Amymone and Adiandi Hotel: Located 5 minutes away from the beach, in the old town. You will love the elegant double rooms, starting from 75€ including breakfast. What I loved: the delicious breakfast, the location on a pedestrian alley, the rooms’ original and nice design. It offers the best value for money in Nafplio!
Amalia Nafplio Hotel: Located about 2km away from the city centre. The luxurious and comfortable double rooms are starting from 110€ per night, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the free private parking, the quietness, the varied breakfast.
Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas: This 5-star hotel is only 5 minutes away from the beach and 15 minutes away from the city centre. The rooms are large and modern, with balconies and the offer a great views of the sea and the castle. Price starts from 260€ per night. If you want an even more luxurious stay, you can sleep in a villa with its private pool, starting from 570€ per night. It’s my favorite hotel in Nafplio, perfect for a luxury stay!

3) Palamidi Fortress/ Monemvasia (1 day)

To continue your one week in Greece itinerary, start your day by visiting the Palamidi fortress, in Nafplio.

Try to get there early, as you will have to drive quite much during the day.

You can directly park your car at the entrance of the fortress . The site is quite big and well built, with many strongholds. The viewpoints on the sea and Nafplio are really amazing. The entrance fee is 8€, and it will take you between 1:30 and 2 hours to visit the fortress.

Get back in your car, it’s time to go to Monemvasia. This village, located 3h drive from Nafplio, is one of the best places to visit in Peloponnese. Don’t worry, it goes quite fast, as the landscape is amazing.

Monemvasia is located on a huge rock, only connected to the mainland by a small road on a dike. You will find parking spots at the end of the road. You should park your car here, then take the 1€ shuttle to the entrance of this pedestrian village. You can also walk, it will take you only 15 minutes.

The village of Monemvasia is completely hidden by the cliff until you cross the fortified gates . Built under a cliff, the city was a natural stronghold during Barbarian invasions, or during the many wars against the Franks or the Turks.

Today, you will walk down the village’s paved alleys , and enjoy a lot of bars, craft shops and local products shops . On the main square, you can admire a church and a cathedral.

From the bottom of Monemvasia, you can take one of the walking trails to go to the fortress located on the top of the cliff. There, you will enjoy a splendid bird’s-eye view over the city roofs and the sea.

After Monemvasia, get back in your car and drive for around 1h30 to go to Mystras. This way, you will be close to the site of your next day’s visit!

Spend a night in Mystras

Byzantion Hotel : Located just across Mystras’ main square. The simple but comfortable rooms offer a view on the Archaeological site. Price starts from 55€, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the view, the private parking lot.
Mazaraki Guesthouse: Located close to Mystras’ Archaeological Site and surrounded by nature, this place offers large and warm suites with balcony, starting from 115€ including breakfast. What I loved: the pool, the environment, the decoration, and the breakfast served in your room.
Arxontiko Taygeti: This Guesthouse is located only 5km away from Mystras’ city centre. The duplex suites, with a kitchen, a living room and a balcony with a beautiful mountain view are starting from 160€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the calm, the kind staff, the environment. You will also find everything you need for breakfast in your fridge!
Mystras Grand Palace Resort: This 5-star hotel is located only a 5-minute drive from Mystras. This brand new hotel offers rooms with stone walls, exposed beams and terrace, starting from 180€ per night including breakfast. What I loved: the pool, the hot tub, the sauna, the comfortable rooms, the calm. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Mystras!

4) Mystras/ Olympia (1 day)

Let’s continue this 7 days itinerary in Greece with one of the places I enjoyed the most when visiting the country: Mystras.

The archaeological site is located only 5 minutes from the city centre. There are 2 distinct entries, with 2 parking lots: one for the upper city, and one for the lower city. You should start with Mystras’ upper town.

This ancient fortified city was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the upper city, you will discover the fortress. From the highest point of the site, you will enjoy a magnificent panorama on the surrounding plain and the city. Then, go down the stairs to see the Agia Sofia Church, the Palace of the Despots and the small palace.

To continue your visit, take your car back and park near the entrance of the lower city. They will ask for your entrance ticket again to enter the site, so don’t throw it away!

In Mystras’ lower city, you can visit several churches, monasteries and convents, with one still inhabited by nuns. Don’t miss:

The Pantanassa Monastery
The Peribleptos Monastery
The Brontochion Monastery
The church of Agios Theodoros

In my opinion, Mystras is one of the most beautiful places in Peloponnese. The constructions are perfectly restored, and the site is located in the heart of nature. It’s simply beautiful.

Plan at least 3 hours for your visit, the site is really big!

Now that you have visited Mystras , it’s time to go to Olympia. This other major ancient site of Peloponnese is located 2 hours from Mystras.

If you visited Mystras during 3 hours, and then drove for 2 hours, you should be in Olympia around 3 or 4 p.m. You will have enough time to visit this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site.

Olympia is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. They were hosted here every 4 years between 776 B.C and 393 A.D. Athletes were competing in wrestling, discus throw and chariot races. The winners were considered as heroes!

I must warn you, it will take you some imagination to picture what the site looked like with its gymnasium, temples or sports facilities. Luckily, there are many explanatory signs on the site to help you.

If you visit Olympia at the end of the day, it will be less crowded, and you will take better pictures, as the luminosity is often perfect.

The 12€ entrance ticket includes an entrance to the Archaeological Museum. There, you will see ancient objects and statues found in Olympia. Don’t hesitate to visit the museum before the archaeological site, it will be easier to picture what the place looked like.

If you still have time, your entrance ticket also includes the Olympic History Museum. You can know everything about of the Olympic Games history and organization, with all the different sports and events. All the explanations are available in English.

Spend a night in Olympia

You will need hiking shoes or good sneakers to visit Mystras. The steep trails are slippery and rocky.

If you are looking for a good restaurant in Olympia, just go to Dimitra restaurant . The pasta here was delicious!

Leonidaion Guesthouse: Located only 10-minute walk from the Archaeological site of Olympia. The large and comfortable double rooms are starting from 55€ per night, including breakfast. What I loved: the free private parking lot, the location close to the site, the quietness. It’s the best value for money in Olympia!
Amalia Hotel Olympia: Located at the city’s entrance. The large and bright rooms, with balcony or terrace are starting from 80€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the very tasty breakfast, the kind staff, the free fruit basket and water in your room.
Arty Grand Hotel: Located on a hill overlooking the city, this 5-star hotel offers modern double rooms, with a small living room and a balcony, starting from 95€ per night including breakfast. Strong points: the huge outdoor pool, the indoor pool, the environment. It’s the best hotel for a luxury stay in Olympia!

5) Delphi (1 day)

Let’s continue your 7-8 days trip to Greece. You are about to leave the Peloponnese to visit the last archaeological site of your stay: Delphi.

In my opinion, Delphi is the best ancient site in Greece!

It will take you 3h15 to drive to Delphi from Olympia. During your journey, there will be many nice places where you can stop:

Kalogria Sandhill a large sand beach, surrounded by dunes and pine trees. You can have a lovely walk here!
Gianiskari Beach: follow the track to find this very nice sand beach. The place is really quiet, with only a few tourists.
Nafpaktos: a nice seaside town with 2 large beaches, bars and a small port. This is a perfect place for your lunch break. You can also visit a castle located on the hill. There, you will enjoy a beautiful view over the bay and the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge. (entrance fee is 2€)
Galaxidi, an other small seaside village with some cafés and restaurants, where you can walk along the harbour and in the pine forest.
Between Nafpaktos and Galaxidi, the seaside road is really nice, with several beaches to go swimming.

When you arrive in Delphi in the afternoon, start with the visit of the Archaeological site, located just outside the city. You can park your car in the parking lot.

This ancient site, located in the middle of the mountains, is one of the most famous in Greece. There, the Pythia (the oracle of Delphi) transmitted Appolo’s directives from the gods to humans . The city was considered to be the centre of the world by ancient Greeks. During 6 centuries, Greek History was strongly affected by the interpretations of the Pythia’s prophecies.

Erected on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking view over the mountains and valley. During your walk, you will admire the Temple of Apollo, the theatre and the stadium.

The 12€ entrance ticket includes the visit of the museum located on the site. There, you can discover the ancient objects and statues found in Delphi.

For your lunch break in Delphi, you should try the Taverna Vakhos . The menu is quite different and more upscale than in the other restaurants, for an identical price. The food was copious and delicious. It’s better to book it in advance.

Fedriades Delphi Hotel: Located a 10-minute walk from the ancient site of Delphi. The modern double rooms with balcony are starting from 55€, and you have to add 8€ for breakfast. Strong points: the panoramic view, the high quality beds, the kind staff.
Kastalia Boutique Hotel: Located only 5 minutes from Delphi. You’ll enjoy large and modern double rooms, starting from 62€ including breakfast. What I loved: the terrace, where you can have your breakfast, the warm welcome, the location. It’s the best value for money in Delphi!
Nidimos Hotel: Located only 1km from the archaeological site. The bright and comfortable double rooms with balcony are starting from 65€ per night, with a 10€ breakfast. Strong points: the various and copious breakfast, the free parking lot, the beautiful view.
Amalia Hotel Delphi : Located 800 meters from the archaeological site. Modern and bright double room offering a nice view up to the sea starting at 90€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the large swimming pool, the view. The most high-end hotel in Delphi!

This 7-day tour in Greece is already over. Unfortunately, you have to drive back to Athens!

Going to the airport will take you around 2h30.

Depending on your flight’s time of departure, how about a last walk in Athens, to complete your souvenir shopping? You can also go to one of the many beaches located nearby.

If your road trip in Greece lasts only 6 days, you can visit Athens in one day. Just follow the detailed itinerary I have written to visit the city on foot: Getting around Athens on foot in 1 day.

If you spend 8 days in Greece, you can add a day in Athens’ surroundings at the beginning of your holidays, to do a one-day boat trip to the Saronic Islands. During this cruise from Athens, you can swim and visit the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The lunch is also included.

These tours must be booked early, so just click on the button below for more details:

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (Click here to read all my articles about Greece)

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? 😊

Now you know how to spend 7 days in Greece! If you have any questions about planning your 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Greece, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section.

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: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini!
Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
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
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.

4 days in Edinburgh: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

2 days in Edinburgh: Itinerary for your weekend +my best tips

5 days in Edinburgh: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

Discussion 11 comments.

This is an excellent 7-day itinerary. There’s so much to see in Greece it can be overwhelming to people who are trying to plan a trip. This itinerary gives a great overview.

I did this itinerary and truly it turned out to be one of the best experiences I have had in Greece. Thank you so much.

I am super glad you enjoyed your 7-8 days itinerary in Greece.

Maybe see you again on the blog for another destination 🙂

Have a great day!

Is there a way to shorten this itinerary by a day? I don’t have 7 days. Thanks

Hello David,

As I recommend in this article, if you only have 6 days in Greece, you can visit Athens in one day. Just follow the detailed itinerary I have written to visit the city on foot: Getting around Athens on foot in 1 day .

Have a nice trip to Greece!

Hi Vincent, my wife and I followed your itinerary during our holiday in Greece and found it to be extremely informative and helpful. We had an extra day, so we added the Mani peninsula with an overnight stay in Areopoli. Great rugged and remote landscapes, winding roads and nice beaches. We could not be happier with your itinerary and our holiday. We highly recommend it to everyone. Thank you so much!

Thanks a lot! I’m glad you had a great stay following my 7 days itinerary in Greece. Adding the mani peninsula was indeed a great choice for your extra day.

See you for another trip!

Hey, I loved your article. Are you able to suggest 7 day itinerary ? I am landing in athens ( 2 days) and santorini (2-3 days) . I wanted to spend the middle two days either naxos and Los. what do you suggest ?

Thanks! I’m glad that my 7 day itineray in Greece is helping you to plan your stay.

From Athens, they are for sure more ferry going to Naxos than Ios. However Ios is less touristic and more off the beaten path destination. You should check the ferries on Ferries in Greece .

Enjoy your trip in Greece!

Thank you so much for this article, we have done 95% of it staying mostly at places recommended. This was our first visit to Greece and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. All the suggestions made it so easy to plan. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Thank you John, that’s very nice! I’m glad you enjoyed your itinerary in Greece.

See you for another destination!

What Is Greece Known For

So, why visit Greece in the first place? The cradle of Western Civilisation; the birthplace of philosophy, democracy, and the Olympic Games; the blessed land of thousands of islands, 18 UNESCO sites and one of the healthiest cuisines in the world; Greece is all of this and so much more. Greece is famous for its history, culture, natural beauty and diverse traditions.

Travellers to Greece have the unique opportunity to get acquainted with all those elements that are integral to the country’s essence without too much effort. There are archaeological sites, beautiful scenery and places to enjoy delicious food literally everywhere in Greece.

This image shows a panoramic view of the Acropolis at dusk. When planning a trip to Greece, make sure you catch the sunset at the Acropolis.

The Ultimate Greece Travel Guide

Where is greece.

Greece is situated in Southeast Europe. More specifically, it lies on the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey . The Ionian Sea separates it from neighbouring Italy , while the Libyan Sea stands between Greece and the countries of North Africa.

This is why it’s often mentioned that Greece, the country with the longest coastline in the Mediterranean, stands at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Best Time To Visit Greece

The weather in Greece is generally mild. That said, there are many local variations. For instance, summers can be extremely hot in Central Greece and the Aegean Islands, while the mountainous areas in Northern Greece can experience really harsh winters with frequent snowfalls and below-zero temperatures.

That goes to show that, weather-wise, the best time to travel to Greece has to do with the area(s) you plan to include in your Greece itineraries. However, there are several factors to consider when you plan a trip to Greece. These include high and peak seasons, and events or celebrations that you may want to experience when you go to Greece.

As a rule of thumb and taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above, the best months to visit Greece are April to June and September to November .

December, January and February are the coldest months in Greece . Moreover, since Greece is a summer-oriented country, there’s nothing too special about the Christmas season in Greece. Therefore, you won’t be missing out on anything if you decide to spend Christmas somewhere else in Europe.

If you do plan a trip to Greece during these three months, though, you should be heading to some of the country’s largest mainland cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Volos , Trikala, and Ioannina . There are many things to do there in the winter, such as mingling with locals and experiencing the real Greek vibes.

This image shows a traditional arcade in Ioannina Greece.

On the other hand, July and August are the hottest months in Greece . The islands are unbearably crowded and windy during these two months, while the mainland cities can be eerily quiet and torturingly hot. The best places to travel in Greece in July and August are the mountains and the countryside in Central and Northern Greece and the Peloponnese.

June and September are the ideal months to visit the Greek Islands, while October and November are perfect for those who’d like to explore the mainland on a road trip.

As far as events and celebrations go, Easter is one of the best times to visit Greece for the unique traditions that you can witness throughout the country. Easter and the Holy Week in Greece are either in April or May. Therefore, double-check your calendars before planning a trip to Greece. Last but not least, it’s worth attending a performance or two at the Athens & Epidaurus Festival that takes place from June to October each year.

How Long To Stay in Greece

Deciding how long to stay in Greece – or any other destination for that matter – is the most difficult task when planning a trip. Unless you are full-time travellers, it takes a bit of effort and a close look at our tips for travelling more with a 9-5 job to make time for each and every trip you’re dreaming of. That said, fear not. We’re here to help you answer this overwhelming question, too.

If you’re visiting Greece from another European country, which translates to short(er) distances and cheap(er) flights, there’s no need to try and squeeze all the unique places to visit in Greece on the same trip. You can always come back for more.

Therefore, from a long weekend in Athens or Thessaloniki to a week on one of the largest islands or two of the smaller ones to ten days on a road trip across an entire region, such as the Peloponnese or Epirus, your options are endless.

However, things aren’t as easy for people travelling to Greece from other continents. Since there will be a considerable cost for the flights that will get you to Greece, it makes sense to spend as much time in the country as possible and to include many places and things to see in Greece in your itinerary.

So, for those of you planning a trip to Greece from outside of Europe, we believe that two weeks is the absolute minimum time , but three weeks is even better considering that your list of what to do in Greece is probably a long one. That way, you’ll have enough time to have a taste of everything Greece has to offer: the islands, the mainland countryside and the best cities.

Getting To Greece

Apart from Athens International Airport , there are more than 15 other international airports scattered across Greece, both on the mainland and the islands.

You can book your flight tickets to Greece here.

You can get to Greece by ferry from Venice , Ancona, Bari , Brindisi and Trieste in Italy. Depending on the port of departure and the season, ferries from Italy reach the ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu in Greece. You can also get to Corfu Island in Greece by ferry from Saranda in Albania.

Moreover, some ferries connect the Aegean Coast of Turkey to various Greek Islands, such as Kastellorizo, Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Lesvos, Chios and others, primarily during the summer months.

Plan your trip early and book your ferry tickets to Greece in advance!

Sadly, all international trains to and from Greece are suspended. Check the official website of Trainose , the only railway company operating in Greece, for any changes.

People travelling to Greece by car may enter the country via specific border crossings, namely Promachonas , Ormenio and Evzoni . However, this Greece travel information is subject to change and you must always double-check border-crossing updates before embarking on a road trip to Greece.

If you want to discover Greece on a road trip, you can rent a car here!

How To Get Around Greece

Public transport & taxis in athens.

Although public transport may not be the best way to get around in the rest of Greece, in Athens it most certainly is. Traffic jams in Athens can get crazy, which means that driving around the capital may end up being too stressful.

The Athens public transport system comprises the Athens Metro , which currently operates lines 1, 2 and 3, the suburban railway , buses , trolleybuses and the tram . You can hop on and off all of the above for 90 minutes with a single ticket that costs 1.20€. If your time in Athens is limited, though, you can hop on the red double-decker sightseeing bus and explore Athens, Piraeus and the Beach Riviera with one ticket .

You can get from Athens Airport to the city centre and Pireaus Port by the Athens Metro. You can have a look at the ticket prices here . However, if you’re travelling as a family or group it makes sense to book a private transfer from the airport to the city centre .

Taxis in Athens are yellow and they are required by law to use a taxi metre. Although there are some designated areas for taxis to line up, it’s common practice to hail a taxi pretty much anywhere you want. To avoid scams or – rarely – worse, you can use Uber.

Public Transport & Taxis in The Rest of The Country

If you decide to rely on public transport and taxis outside of Athens, make sure you check with locals first. Your hotel staff are usually the best people to guide you in terms of local public transport.

Driving in Greece

Planning a road trip in Greece is by far the optimal way to discover the best-hidden gems in Greece. That said, it’s good to keep in mind a few things about driving in Greece before you hit the road. Greece is a right-hand traffic country . Road conditions are generally OK . Yet you may come across some really bad roads filled with potholes, especially in rural areas.

Furthermore, Greek drivers tend to be aggressive and undisciplined , while they enjoy a good fight with other drivers now and then. However, don’t let any of this discourage you from renting a car and enjoying the Greek scenery at your own pace. Keep your eyes on the road, respect road signs and speed limits and just enjoy the ride.

When driving on motorways, you are expected to pay tolls in Greece . Unfortunately, there’s no single website that gives information about all toll stations in Greece. That’s because not all motorways in the country are managed by the same companies. However, there’s this website that calculates fuel and toll costs for you.

Parking in Athens and other large cities can be a nightmare, especially during the day. Watch out for paid parking areas in the city centres to avoid a fine. If you’re not sure, ask a local. In the outskirts of cities, parking is usually free but always check with locals just so you are on the safe side.

Even though most villages and islands have designated areas for free parking , it’s next to impossible to find available parking space during peak season. Again, the safest way to avoid being fined is to ask your hotel staff where to park.

Ferries in Greece

With hundreds of islands to choose from, it’s no surprise that Greece has a wide network of ferries that can make the Greek Island hopping adventure of your dreams come true. You can check ferry schedules and book your tickets here.

This is a close-up of the rail of a ferry.

Trains in Greece

Unlike ferries, trains in Greece no longer flourish . Although it was possible to roam the country by train in the past, nowadays Greece train travel seems to be on a hiatus. There are only a few daily trains that connect Athens to Thessaloniki and some other cities and villages along the way or via small detours. One of the most popular train trips is the one to Meteora . Check out the Trainose website for more .

The Greek KTEL

The most reliable means to travel across mainland Greece is KTEL, the country’s network of public buses . Depending on where you start your journey from and where you want to go, you should check out the corresponding KTEL website for information about ticket prices and bus schedules. Just google X (place) to Y (place) KTEL (e.g. Athens to Thessaloniki KTEL) and you’ll find the correct website each time.

Domestic Flights in Greece

If you’re wondering how to travel around Greece, remember that domestic flights in Greece only make sense for long distances, especially between the mainland and the islands. For example, if you want to go from Rhodes or Crete to Thessaloniki or Corfu, the best option is to book a domestic flight.

For shorter trips, you’ll be better off either driving or taking the ferry/KTEL bus. Most domestic flights in Greece are operated by Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air, Sky Express and Ryanair .

Best Places To Stay in Greece

When it comes to finding the best accommodation in Greece, the sky’s the limit. From affordable no-frills rooms lost in the Greek countryside to exclusive luxury hotels in the most famous places to visit in Greece, it all comes down to taste, travel style and budget.

In Athens, there are more factors at play when deciding where to stay. Since the Greek capital is a large city, not all of its neighbourhoods are ideal for travellers. Some areas are strictly residential and very far from any places of interest.

Moreover, there’s yet another thing to keep in mind when choosing among countless Athens hotels. That’s no other than safety. Some neighbourhoods in Athens are sketchier than others and you’d want to avoid feeling uncomfortable, especially at night.

The best areas to stay in Athens are Plaka, Koukaki, Kolonaki, Syntagma and Psirri. All of these neighbourhoods are perfectly walkable, they’re near some of the best historical sights and they’re abundant in restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.

Find the best deals and book your stay in Athens here!

When planning a trip to Greece, don’t forget that some special accommodation types can make your Greek trips all the more memorable. For instance, staying at a cave hotel in Santorini , a neoclassical mansion in Athens or a stone tower in Mani are unique experiences that are worth the extra cash.

Read our Santorini accommodation guide!

This image shows a panoramic view of Plaka Athens. In the background we can see the Acropolis, one of the things you must add to your bucket lists when planning a trip to Greece.

Things To Know When Planning a Trip To Greece

Greece visa requirements.

European and US citizens don’t need to apply for a Greece travel visa for either business or tourist purposes. The same goes for citizens of many other countries, too. Here’s a detailed list of all the countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Greece .

Greece Travel Costs

Here are some typical Greece travel expenses to help you get an idea of how much you should put aside for your Greece travel budget. Keep in mind that the Greece travel prices shown here are approximate and they can vary depending on location and time of year . To calculate the exact cost of your trip to Greece, you must research the destinations you’re visiting thoroughly. What’s worth remembering is that hotel prices fluctuate enormously, depending on seasonality.

Accommodation in a high-rated double room in Athens: 60€ – 100€/night
Accommodation in a high-rated double room on the Greek Islands (low season): 50€ – 80€/night
Accommodation in a high-rated double room on the Greek Islands (peak season): 80€ – 200€/night
Public transport in Athens: 1.20€/90 minutes
Taxi from Athens Airport to the city centre: 40€ – 55€/ride
Small/Midsize rental car (low season): 30€ – 60€/day
Small/Midsize rental car (peak season): 50€ – 100€/day
Fuel (unleaded gasoline): 1.8€/litre
Ferry ticket: 20€ – 60€/person
KTEL Bus ticket: 30€ – 40€/person
Domestic flight: 50€ – 100€/person
Wine/beer: 3€ – 6€/glass
Cocktails: 8€ – 15€/each
Street food: 5€/person
Meal with house wine at a traditional restaurant: 15€ – 25€/person
Meal with bottled wine at a fancy restaurant: 30€ – 50€/person
Attractions (Museums & Archaeological sites): 5€ – 20€/person

This image shows a busy street in Mykonos Chora in the evening. Many people walk along the street and there is also a huge bougainvillea above them.

What To Pack For Greece

It’s not uncommon for the weather to be warm enough to go for a swim at Christmas. Nor is it impossible to rain heavily in Greece in July. Also, if you plan to visit any religious sites in Greece, you should know that you are expected to cover up before you enter any of them. That’s when a scarf usually proves life-saving. Therefore, there are four items you should always remember to pack for Greece: a swimsuit, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket and a scarf .

Since you will be walking around a lot in Greece – most probably in hot weather – there’s one more item you should add to your list of Greece travel essentials: a thermal bottle that keeps water cold for up to 24 hours . That way, not only will you never get thirsty, but you’ll also reduce the use of plastic during your Greece vacation.

When packing for Greece in winter, pack warm clothes and, if possible, waterproof shoes. Remember that wearing layers is the right way to go in Greece in winter as temperatures can fluctuate during the day. In the summer, pack cotton or linen clothes, sunscreen with the highest level of protection and a light jacket or sweater.

Money in Greece

The euro is the currency used in Greece. You can withdraw cash at ATMs all over the country. If you plan to visit some of the tiniest islands or villages in Greece, such as the Small Cyclades Islands, check with your hotel to make sure that there’s actually an ATM there. You can use any bank’s ATM in Greece.

That said, make sure you keep clear of the blue and yellow Euronet ATMs unless you want to get ripped off in transaction and exchange rate fees.

One of the most useful things to know before travelling to Greece is that credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere in Greece, even for small amounts of money.

Order your Wise Card to ensure the best exchange rates here!

Health & Safety in Greece

Tap water in Athens and many other places in Greece is perfectly safe to drink. This is why you should have your aforementioned thermal water bottle with you at all times. Yet, in some places, tap water can be harmful to your health. Always check with your hotel staff about the quality of tap water in the area you’re staying.

Smoking isn’t allowed indoors but it is outdoors . Don’t be surprised if you find yourselves surrounded by clouds of smoke while eating or drinking outside or on the ferry’s deck or the beach. Wherever there’s no roof above your heads or walls around you, smoking is allowed.

People with disabilities should plan their trips to Greece well in advance because there aren’t many hotels with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.

Moreover, if you’re facing mobility or other issues, you should know that some places in Greece may not suit your needs. For instance, not all beaches in Greece have the infrastructure to accommodate people with special needs. Similarly, many islands are hard to navigate due to their large number of stone steps, uneven paths and uphill streets.

This image shows two people enjoying the view from the castle of Serifos. The photo is taken from the highest point of Chora.

Is Greece safe to travel to? Greece is a relatively safe country but, as we often like to say, common sense is your best travel buddy . The smallest and less crowded the place you’re visiting, the safest it is. However, in big cities, and especially in Athens, you should avoid sketchy neighbourhoods at night. Even more so if you’re a woman travelling solo or in a small group.

Not all areas in Greece respond the same to public displays of affection from members of the LGBTQ community . As a rule of thumb, the more touristy the area, the more accepted you will feel as an openly gay traveller. That being said, please reserve from public displays of affection in remote areas at all times to avoid falling victim to attacks fuelled by bigotry and hatred.

Languages Spoken

Greek is the only official language in Greece . Learning just a few words or lines will take you a long way. That’s one of the best Greece tips we could ever give you, as locals will be thrilled to see you try and they’ll go out of their way to help you.

So, do people speak English in Greece? you may wonder. The answer is yes. Most Greeks, especially the younger generations, speak English fluently , while it’s not uncommon to hear them speak other languages, too (e.g Italian, Spanish, etc).

Electricity in Greece

The standard voltage in Greece is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz . The main socket types are C and F . If you’re travelling to Greece from the USA, buy a Greece travel adaptor in advance so that you don’t have to worry about looking for one during your holidays.

5 Best Places To Visit in Greece

It’s no secret that Athens isn’t the prettiest city in Europe nor the absolutely best place to travel in Greece. With most of its elegant neoclassical mansions, wide avenues and grand open spaces replaced by ugly blocks of flats, dark narrow alleys and miserable wanna-be squares, Athens is the definition of a modern concrete jungle.

Yet, no trip to Greece is complete without a visit to this vibrant European capital whose many other charms make up for its bad looks.

This image shows a panoramic view of Athens. In the background we can see Lycabettus hill.

There are many reasons to visit Athens. From gasping at the wonder that is the Acropolis and the other sunkissed relics to spending endless hours at the capital’s fantastic museums, from catching breathtaking views at Filopappou Hill to dancing the night away at the city’s countless bars and clubs, Athens is a true enchantress that never fails to amaze its visitors, often turning them into eternal lovers.

If Athens is part of your trip to Greece, make sure you read our ultimate travel guide to Athens and Athens 3-day itinerary .

2. The Greek Islands

Experiencing the magic of the Greek Islands is probably the main reason why people from all over the globe flock to Greece. There are hundreds of islands in Greece, divided into six main groups , five of which are in the Aegean Sea. Some Greek islands are ideal to explore without a car while others are perfect for road-tripping.

Aegina, Agistri , Hydra, Poros, Salamina and Spetses comprise the Saronic Islands near Athens. A full-day cruise from Athens to some of the prettiest Saronic Islands is the best way to choose which ones you like best so that you plan to spend more time there during your next visit.

The Cyclades are perhaps the most famous islands in Greece. Apart from super popular islands, such as Mykonos , Santorini , Paros and Naxos , there are also some hidden gems in the Cyclades, like Amorgos , Milos, Sifnos , Anafi, Serifos , Kimolos, Antiparos , Tinos, Andros, Donoussa and so many others.

No matter which of the Cyclades Islands you choose to add to your Greece itinerary, be prepared for the most picturesque settings and spectacular beaches you have ever wished for, alongside once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as swimming in Santorini’s hot springs .

This image shows a whitewashed church near the top of the Venetian Castle in Chora Serifos.

The North Aegean Islands and the Dodecanese are situated in the easternmost part of the Aegean Sea. These two island groups are worth exploring for their diversity of landscapes, culture and traditions. From world-renowned islands, such as Rhodes, to off-the-beaten-path gems like Lemnos, Astypalaia and Karpathos, these two island groups have something for everyone.

Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros comprise the Sporades , four unique islands with lush greenery and turquoise waters. In the Ionian Sea, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia , Ithaca and a few more comprise the Ionian Islands or Eptanisa (Seven Islands), a cluster of gorgeous islands with stunning nature and remarkable architecture, music and culture that are heavily influenced by neighbouring Italy.

Watch all our Greek Island-inspired Greece travel videos!

3. The Peloponnese

Few places in Greece can compare to the diversity, incredible scenery and century-old traditions of the Peloponnese. This peninsula of wonders in Southern Greece is intertwined with Greek history in more ways than we can count. The Peloponnese is large and filled with treasures . Therefore, it’s best explored on a road trip.

From historical cities, such as Nafplio and Monemvasia to gorgeous beaches around Messenia, top-quality local products such as the famous Kalamata olives, quaint villages in the mountains and the most exotic island in Greece – Elafonisos – the Peloponnese has it all.

This image shows a panoramic view of Monemvasia.

Yet another of the most diverse regions in the country, Epirus is one of the most authentic places to see in Greece . With its rugged yet magnificent scenery, rich history and traditional architecture, Epirus is a year-round destination that should be added to every Greek itinerary.

The prettiest city in Epirus is Ioannina , a vibrant university city dominated by a photogenic lake. Moreover, the region abounds in natural wonders such as rivers, mountains, gorges and long sandy beaches.

Meteora is a cluster of century-old monasteries built atop dramatic natural pillars that can easily qualify as the most impressive landscape in mainland Greece. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions in Greece. If you don’t have enough time for an overnight stay at one of the best places to travel in Greece, there are plenty of guided tours and day trips to Meteora from either Athens or Thessaloniki.

Top 5 Things To Do in Greece

1. wander around ancient ruins.

Greece is the site of one of the world’s oldest civilisations . That explains why sightseeing in Greece is a big deal. There are dozens of ancient sites scattered everywhere across the country, from North to South, from the mainland to the islands. Wherever your Greek travels take you, don’t miss the chance to visit one archaeological site or two to snap your most valuable Greece travel photos.

Here’s our guide to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon!

2. Go Hiking

The weather in Greece is generally mild, which means that hiking is one of the best activities in Greece all year long. There are countless hiking trails in Greece for hikers of all levels. Among them, there are a few certified trails, such as the 100km Andros Route or the wondrous Menalon Trail .

No matter where you travel in Greece, an amazing hiking route awaits to introduce you to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Greek countryside that’s dotted with stone bridges, cobblestone paths and wonderful flora and fauna.

This image shows a hiking trail in Amorgos.

3. Enjoy The Sea

The sea in Greece is a dream. This is why most travellers going to Greece can’t wait to dip their toes in the sand and dive into cool waters. Whether you are on the mainland or the islands, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters aren’t hard to find. There are beaches for all tastes in Greece . From endless stretches of golden sand to rocks carved by the force of the waves, you are sure to find your personal favourite Greek beach.

This is a shot of Zorkos Beach at sunset. The beach is absolutely calm with only a few people left at this time of day.

4. Attend a Local Feast

Local feasts – or panigiria in Greek – coincide with the most important religious celebrations. Although there are local feasts all year long, the majority of panigiria take place in the summer . During a local festival, you can dance to the sound of traditional Greek music, savour local delicacies and drink homemade wine.

Attending a local feast is a unique experience you don’t want to miss, regardless of where you are in Greece. That said, there are some places in Greece that are famous for their local feasts. For instance, Ikaria Island is the flagship Greek destination when it comes to panigiria .

5. Savour The Outdoors

Whether it’s a lazy or a super active holiday in Greece you’re dreaming of, one thing’s for sure. In Greece, you won’t have enough of spending time outside , savouring the fragrances of nature and the cool breeze. Year-long outdoor seating is one of the things Greeks take great pride in. So, don’t be surprised if you get the chance to dine outside even in the winter.

Furthermore, planning a trip to Greece means that you can enjoy the best outdoor activities, such as kayaking, kite-surfing and countless more.

Food in Greece

Food in Greece is a reason to visit the country in its own right. A fine example of the world-renowned Mediterranean diet, Greek cooking represents one of the world’s healthiest and most delicious cuisines.

Based on fresh local products and recipes that have been passed on from one generation to the next for centuries on end, food in Greece is one of the things that will make you keep going back to the country.

Extra virgin olive oil lies at the core of Greek cooking. Apart from savouring the goodness of Greece’s liquid gold, as it’s often referred to, you should also taste the (addictive) olives themselves, which is one of the best things to do in Kalamata .

Since we’re on the subject of gold, feta cheese is often called Greece’s white gold. The best way to appreciate all of these local products is by enjoying a freshly cut Greek Salad.

However, it’s not only feta that cheese lovers should be focusing on. Greece produces several types of high-quality cheese that largely vary from place to place. In general, look out for graviera, mizithra, kasseri, three of the commonest types of cheese in Greece. That said, always try the local types of cheese in the specific destinations you’re visiting in Greece.

When it comes to dining options in Greece, the sky’s the limit. From street food to traditional tavernas to fine dining, it all comes down to personal taste and budget. The most famous street food is, of course, souvlaki which, fortunately, now comes in many vegetarian versions, too, with mushrooms or halloumi cheese instead of meat.

Other street food options include delicious Greek pies, such as cheese pie, spinach pie and bougatsa (sweet cream pie).

While in Greece, you must eat at a traditional taverna at least once. Some of the dishes to try there are pastitsio, moussakas, gigantes, fava, gemista and countless others. Seafood dishes are also very common. Greek cuisine is also ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Before ordering your meal at an eatery, make sure you check out our list of the best vegetarian dishes from Greece .

Your sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice in Greece. Yet, if you’re looking for something traditional to try, you should know that local desserts aren’t as fancy as their Western European counterparts.

Some of the best sweets to try in Greece are loukoumades , orange-pie , baklava , galaktoboureko , tsoureki and ipovrichio (the Greek word for… submarine). The latter is a spoonful of vanilla-flavoured sugar paste submerged in a glass of ice-cold water. At Christmas, don’t miss melomakarona and kourabiedes .

Greek wine is also worth your attention. Therefore, you should try as many local varieties as possible during your Greece trip. Other quintessentially Greek alcoholic beverages include ouzo , tsipouro , rakomelo and Metaxa brandy . Coffee lovers won’t be disappointed either. Try a cup of hot Greek (or Turkish) coffee or a glass of super-strong frappé coffee .

This image shows a traditional Greek cheese pie.

3 Greece Travel Tips For The Responsible Traveller

1. don’t facilitate animal abuse.

Unfortunately, some anachronistic practices in Greece are still promoted as tourist attractions. For example, the donkey rides in Santorini or Hydra and the horse and carriage rides on Spetses Island and elsewhere. Long gone are the times when people relied on animals for their daily commuting needs.

Nowadays, there’s always an alternative. For instance, you can book a private transfer from Santorini Port instead of riding a donkey. You can read more ways to be a responsible traveller here .

Yet these rides are still presented as the top things to do in Greece. They’re not. They’re nothing but animal cruelty disguised as attractions for profit and they top the list of things NOT to do in Greece.

2. Avoid All-Inclusive Deals

All-inclusive deals offered by grand resorts and hotels sound tempting but their negative impact on the local economy is huge. Most of these resorts are run by multinational brands. Therefore, the money they’re making never goes back to the local communities.

If you choose to support independent businesses, you’re making a significant difference for locals and you’re promoting sustainable Greece tourism . Not to mention that you’re missing out on the authenticity of the places you’re visiting when travelling on all-inclusive Greece vacation packages.

3. Shop Local

Whether it’s a fridge magnet or an entirely new wardrobe, we all tend to shop while travelling. When vacationing in Greece, you can find independent shops that sell local handmade products all over the country. Please do your best to support high-quality local products instead of cheap imported items with no character. Even if that means that your new fridge magnet will cost 4€ instead of 2€.

This image shows the storefront of a shop with Greek local products.

Greece Travel Inspiration

Top 3 films set in greece.

The Big Blue
Little England

Top 3 Books Set in Greece

It’s All Greek To Me by John Mole
Zorba The Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis
The Island by Victoria Hislop

Check out our full list of the best novels set in Greece!

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, we hope that this ultimate Greece Travel Guide can help you map out the Greek escape of your dreams!

Browse Through All Our Greece Travel Articles

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How to Plan a Trip to Greece: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on Last updated: April 1, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Greece » How to Plan a Trip to Greece: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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Dreaming of your first Greece vacation? Let me show you exactly how to plan a trip to beautiful Greece like a pro!

This post about how to plan a trip to greece for the first time was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Have you been dreaming of a Greek vacation since you watched Mamma Mia! and want to know how to plan a trip to Greece?

With over 6,000 islands, 18 UNESCO sites, and more than 250 days of sunshine every year, planning a Greece vacation is an excellent idea.

But if this vacation is your first time in Greece, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. It can seem like Athens has hundreds of must-see archaeological sites, and you might be having trouble separating the Cyclades from the Sporades Islands!

Figuring out the best way to travel around Greece on a relaxing island-hopping adventure is very difficult when planning is stressful.

Don’t worry; this is an easy Greece trip-planning guide that will cover absolutely everything you need to tick off when planning a Greece vacation so you can have an unforgettable trip.

15-Step Guide on How To Plan a Trip to Greece

Step 1: check your passport and visa requirements for greece.

One of the first things to know before going to Greece is the passport and visa requirements. You don’t want to realize one of your kids’ passports is about to expire as you are checking in for your flights!

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Check your passport and visa requirements.

Tourists need at least six months of validity on their passports when entering Greece.

Since Greece is part of the Schengen Area, most North Americans only need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver (being rolled out in 2025) before traveling to Greece.

However, most tourists from other countries might need a different visa. You can check how to get a Schengen visa to enter Greece depending on your country in this link .

This will give you 90 days of visa-free travel in any of the 27 Schengen countries in Europe.

Step 2: Figure out the Length of Your Trip to Greece

The next step of how to plan a trip to Greece is to decide how long you want to stay in Greece.

Due to paid time off restrictions, school breaks, and other responsibilities, you likely already have a rough idea of how long you can spend in Greece.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Figure out the length of your trip.

Ideally, you’d spend at least four or five days in Greece. Any less, and it’s not worth the long-haul flight!

The best way for first-timers to see beautiful Greece is to spend around ten days to two weeks there. You’ll be able to see mainland Greece and some of the island groups and get a feel for the country.

If you want to plan a trip to Greece and Italy , two to three weeks is the minimum to see the best of both countries!

Step 3: Research the Best Time to Travel to Greece

One of the key steps of how to plan a trip to Greece is choosing the best time of year. Weather and availability of public transport/accommodation are the most important factors.

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. August is the hottest month with average temperatures of 84°F/28.7°C and January is the coldest at 50°F/10°C.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Research the bests time to travel to Greece.

Visiting big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki in winter is the best way to save money and beat the crowds. However, many restaurants, hotels, and ferries suspend operations on the Greek islands during the low winter season.

The overall best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons of April – June and September to October. Temperatures are warm but not unbearably hot, and all businesses are open but not packed with crowds.

Step 4: Choose Your Greece Destinations

Now it’s time for the fun part of creating your Greece travel plan! Where do you want to go?!

If you want to visit Greece in 4 days or 5 days, stick with Athens where most tourist areas are. It’s easy to fly into, and you could still take a day trip to a nearby island like Aegina or the UNESCO site of Delphi.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Choose your destinations.

Planning a seven-day Greece itinerary? Spend half your time in Athens and the other half on one island. You could fly to the largest island of Crete or take a fast five-hour ferry to Santorini from Athens.

Building a 10-day trip to Greece or even a two-week vacation gives you much more flexibility. It would allow you to explore the main towns and some islands as well.

This is how to travel in Greece on a longer trip: stay in Athens for a few days before exploring a group of islands via ferry. Here are some popular suggestions:

The Cyclades – Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Santorini
The Sporades – Skiathos and Skopelos
The Ionian Islands – Corfu plus Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaka, and Kythira
The Dodecanese Islands – Kos and Rhodes

One of the best tips when traveling to Greece is to check the ferry schedules . Find the quickest and easiest ferry journeys, as that will narrow down your options!

You can also check out private boat trips to these Greek islands here .

Step 5: Create a Budget for Your Greek Vacation

No Greece trip planner can give you an exact figure for how much your Greece vacation will cost. How much you will spend depends on the size of your family, the time of year you are traveling, your travel style, and the length of your trip.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Create a budget for your vacation.

However, Trip.com estimates that a 7-day trip to Greece costs, on average, $1,435 – $3,720+ per person.

You can absolutely figure out how to plan a wonderful trip to Greece on a budget. Swap some of the more expensive and popular islands for other islands in the same group. Visit Paros instead of Santorini or Mykonos.

Public transportation could also be an option for most people, especially if they’re traveling alone or in a smaller group without little children.

Booking ferries, flights, and accommodation in advance will save you money (and stress!) too. You can even book overnight ferries to save money on accommodation.

Step 6: Book Your Flights to Greece

Speaking of booking flights, now you have a rough plan for your Greece vacation, you can start booking everything.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Book your flights.

There are direct flights from New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia to Athens. If you live near those hub airports, it’ll be easy for you to figure out how to visit Greece by flying!

You should also consider connecting flights to other big travel hubs in Europe, like Hamburg in Germany or London in the UK, which fly to many other airports in Mainland Greece.

Step 7: Plan Your Greece Vacation Itinerary

How to plan a Greece trip and create the best Greece itinerary depends on where you’re going. Here is some inspiration:

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Plan your Greece vacation itinerary.

How to plan a trip to Athens – Stay in a central neighborhood and get a combo ticket to save big bucks on visiting the Acropolis and other ancient sites.

How to plan a trip to Santorini – Take a sunset cruise to avoid the crowded viewpoints. Don’t miss the Santorini Volcano or the Red Beach.
How to plan a trip to Crete – This is Greece’s largest island, so rent a car to get around. Visit the port town of Chania, visit the Pink Beach, and check out the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion with links to the Minotaur myth.
How to plan a trip to Italy and Greece – Mix big cities with countryside visits for variety. Check out Rome, the Tuscan countryside, Venice, and the Italian Lakes, as well as Athens and two or three islands. Choosing places with good transport connections is essential.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

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Step 8: Book Accommodation in Greece

The next step when you plan a trip to Greece is to find and book accommodation. While short-term rental apartments and hotels are ideal in big cities, resorts and villas are better on the islands.

All tourists in Greece must pay an extra tax on their accommodation. The tax ranges from 50 cents to €4, and it’s per room, per night.

Step 9: Organize Ferries and Rental Cars

If you’re staying in Athens or Thessaloniki for a short break, you might not need to organize any extra transport in advance. Subways are a good way to get around the city, and small group tours are easy day trip options.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Organize ferries and rental cars.

Booking ferries is essential when planning an island-hopping trip! Search your routes on FerryHopper and organize them far in advance because they can sell out in peak season.

Renting a car makes sense when staying on one of the larger islands like Crete. You’ll need to have an International Driving Permit , but you can pick these up from AAA for around $20.

But if you’re staying on smaller islands, consider using taxis or buses. Roads aren’t well-maintained, and other Greek drivers can be a little unpredictable!

Step 10: Purchase Attraction Tickets and Plan Activities

It’s great to be flexible but there are some attractions and activities in Greece that it’s worth booking ahead to make sure you don’t miss out.

Book any tours or small-group day trips first. It’s easier to fill a two-hour gap in your itinerary than a whole day!

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Purchase attraction tickets and plan activities.

Archaeological sites (the Parthenon , Temple of Olympian Zeus , etc.) in Athens are examples of other activities where you can buy skip-the-line tickets in advance.

You will avoid long lines in the baking sun, and if you book a guided tour, you’ll get even more out of your experience.

Step 11: Get Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Greece

Buying travel insurance as soon as you book your flights will ensure you’ve protected everything you spend on your entire trip. But at the very least, get it before you fly so you’re protected if you have a medical emergency!

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Get travel insurance for your trip.

Check your credit card benefits, as you may already have some coverage.

Step 12: Figure out Phone, Credit Card, and Currency

Greece uses the Euro as currency and one of the best top tips is to bring cash, as well as credit cards. Smaller vendors tend to prefer cash for low-cost purchases.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Figure out phone, credit card, and currency.

Note that American Express is not widely accepted in Greece, so have a Mastercard or Visa handy as a backup.

If you need data, consider getting an eSIM before you fly so you can use the internet when out and about in Greece. If you are visiting both countries, check that your plan includes Italy.

Step 13: Watch Movies and Read Books Set in Greece

You might spend so much time planning your trip to Greece that you forget to get excited about it! One of the best ways to combat that is to watch fun movies and read books set in Greece.

Of course, watching the Mamma Mia! movies again for the 50th time totally counts.

Some book recommendations are Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières, The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, and The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, which is a retelling of The Iliad from a woman’s perspective.

Step 14: Pack the Right Outfits for Your Greek Vacation

Greece in the summer can be super hot, so you need to pack wisely. Bring sunglasses, a large floppy sunhat to shield your face, and super comfortable sandals.

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: Pack the right outfits for your Greek vacation.

You’ll walk everywhere in Greece, and your feet will swell in the heat!

Cute sundresses were made for the Grecian islands. Choose light and flowy fabrics that will look nice in photographs while protecting your skin.

Step 15: Go To Greece!

Once you’ve completed all the steps of this travel planner, you’ll be ready to enjoy the Greece vacation you worked so hard on.

Learn to say ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’ in Greek and eat as much delicious, local Greek food as your stomach will allow.

Planning a Trip to Greece FAQs

How much does an average trip to greece cost.

So, how much does a trip to Greece cost? It will completely depend on your travel style, the size of your family, and the length of your vacation.

However, Trip.com states that the average 7-day Greece trip costs around $1,435 – $3,720+ per person. Working out how to travel to Greece on a budget is also doable!

Also note that while tipping culture is not popular among the locals, it’s expected among tourists, so you might want to factor that into your budget.

When should I start planning a trip to Greece?

How early you should plan a vacation to Greece usually depends on the time of year you a traveling there. If you’re traveling to Greece in the summer, booking your flights and accommodation one year in advance isn’t too early.

You can afford to be more spontaneous when you plan a trip to Greece in the shoulder seasons. This is also the time when there are fewer tourists since most visitors arrive between July and August.

How many days in Greece is enough?

One of the best tips for traveling to Greece is to spend at least five days there. This will give you enough time to visit Athens and take a day trip or two.

If you want to plan a Greece vacation that includes an epic island-hopping adventure, spend at least 10 days there. Booking 14 or 15 days is perfect if you have the vacation time!

How To Plan a Trip to Greece Wrap-Up

Figuring out how to plan a trip to Greece on your own or with family isn’t that difficult once you have a checklist you can follow.

You’ll know how to plan a Greece vacation without falling into common pitfalls, like booking accommodation on two islands far apart. Or visiting at the wrong time of year!

Tasting fresh feta cheese and delicious Greek olives while watching a stunning sunset will make your efforts to research the best way to travel to Greece worth it.

Go ahead and plan your own visit, and have a great time in beautiful Greece with the best itinerary you can come up with!

Looking for more Greece travel resources? Check out my Athens travel tips , things first-timers should know , Santorini travel tips , 7 Best Athens Hotels for Families Worth Booking , 15 Best Santorini Hotels for Families Worth Booking , 17 Exceptional Things to Do in Athens with Kids , and things to do in Greece with kids .

Maximize that Schengen Visa and visit other member countries like Germany , France , Italy , and Spain .

How to Plan a Trip to Greece: An EasyStep-by-Step Guide (2023)

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10 DAYS IN GREECE – A COMPLETE ITINERARY FOR 2024

If you only have 10 days in Greece it is still possible to cover a lot of ground and take in many of the highlights this incredible country has to offer. This very detailed 10 days in Greece itinerary will allow you to visit two amazing Greek Islands, Athens, and the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. It covers where to stay, how to get around, what to do in that time, even where to eat and drink!

This Greece itinerary 10 days covers EVERYTHING!

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travelers!

When to visit Greece

The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.

Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere.

Easter is an especially wonderful time to visit Greece as it becomes very festive with parades, parties, and on many islands bonfires, fireworks and other activities and traditions. There are many festivals throughout the year that can vary from place to place and can be quite fascinating to witness.

Best beach and swimming weather: June to September Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October

Other important travel essentials for Greece

Basic facts about greece.

Greece is part of Europe and is situated in the southern Mediterranean between Italy and Turkey and south of Albania and Bulgaria on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. In Greece, it is actually known as Hellas with its official name being the Hellenic Republic “Helliniki Dimokratia”.

It consists of 132,000 sq kilometres of land including 227 inhabited islands. The population is just under 11 million people.

The religion is East Orthodoxy ( Christian) , they drive on the right-hand side of the road and the calling code is +30.

How to get to Greece

Most visitors arrive in Greece via Athens but it is also possible to arrive via a number of other International Airports on islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos and Corfu and on the mainland at Thessaloniki, Kavala, Kalamata and Preveza.

It is also common for visitors to arrive by sea on both cruise ships and private yachts and charters as well as by train and road.

What to see and do in Greece

Greece has many incredible destinations and is considered home to some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the world. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with another 16 under consideration.

Most people want to see the Greek Islands and particularly the much-photographed islands of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades Group of islands.

There are 6 island groups – the Cyclades , the Dodacannese , the Saronic islands , the Sporades Islands , the Northern Aegean islands, the Ionian Islands , and Crete, so island hopping in the Greek Islands might be popular but it does require some research, as most of these groups do not connect with each other by ferry or flights.

Some islands are very romantic and are great for couples whilst others are great for families and many are perfect for solo travellers.

There are also some incredible things to see on the mainland including Athens – ancient sites like Delphi and Olympia as well as places of considerable natural beauty and wonder such as Meteora and Mt Athos . The northern city of Thessaloniki is also wonderful with some incredible sites and attractions close by. It’s also very affordable too.

The Peloponnese peninsula is becoming more popular and is thought by many to be the ‘real Greece’. It is one of our favourite parts of Greece, in fact anywhere really.

Money, exchange rates and tipping

The official currency of Greece is the Euro .

Cash is still very much appreciated and credit card facilities in remote areas may be scarce, but generally, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Legally you must always be given a receipt including and clearly showing the local taxes.

Tipping is a contentious issue. It is not customary to tip in Europe and the system is very different to say, the USA, but tips are always appreciated of course and if you feel your tour guide, driver or restaurant waiter did a great job then 10% is a fairly common tip.

Passports, Visas, Covid and other protocols

Greece is a member of the European Union and as such all residents of the 26 countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement do not require a visa.

Other countries such as Singapore, Australia and the USA also do not require one but several countries do. Check the official Government website to be sure.

Like many countries Passports need 6 months clear validity ( ie. does not expire until the day after you arrive home as a minimum).

As of September 2022, most Covid19 restrictions have been lifted with the exception of masks which are still required on ferries, other public transport and anywhere in health care including Pharmacies.

You are also still required to have a negative Covid test if embarking on a Cruise.

Again, check the official Government website for more information.

How to get around Greece

Transport around the country varies and can be at times woefully inadequate or very good. Private drivers are not as common nor as affordable as in some countries but do exist in some popular areas.

The train and bus network is not as modern or efficient as those in say, France or Italy but the Ferry network is probably the most extensive and effective in the world.

In Athens taxi drivers, like many cities, can be a bit hit and miss so it pays to have the details of a trusted one. For private transfers, we use and recommend CATTaxi and if you use the Promo code “GTS” when you book through this link you will receive a further 10% off . If you do catch a taxi make sure the meter is on!

For port and ferry transfers you can book via this article too.

For Ferries we use Ferryhopper and we invariably hire a car at each destination even if it’s just for a day or two.

Greek Culture

The Culture in Greece is rich and varied and is over 6000 years old.

There are a number of things that make it so unique including the world-famous Greek Hospitality but there’s also the unique architecture, food , dancing, music and more.

The Greek Language is one of the oldest in the world and it always pays to know a few key phrases for your trip.

We have a lot of resources including a whole page on the Greek Culture as well as a Recipe page , and an article full of reading suggestions , one with our recommended Greek Playlist and another about movies set in Greece as well.

If you’re a history buff then be sure to check out this article on Greek Mythology and where to see the most amazing archeological sites.

Further reading: Frequently Asked Questions about Greece

10 day itinerary for Greece – suggestions

This article focuses on a general itinerary that ticks the most number of boxes for the most number of people, and can usually be done for much of the year.

It goes like this:

Athens – 2 days

Meteora – 1 day

Santorini – 3 days

Paros – 3 days

Athens (Lavrio) – 1 night

Variations on this itinerary could be:

Looking for famous beach clubs and parties? Swap out Santorini for Mykonos.

Travelling with Small Children? Swap Paros for Naxos .

Already been to Santorini? Try Milos instead.

Looking for off-the-beat islands with no airports? Swap Santorini and Paros for Sifnos and Folegandros.

Not interested in the beach but love Culture? Go to Syros or Hydra .

Visiting in the off-season? (November to April) – stick to the Mainland .

Further reading: Island Hopping in the Cyclades

10 DAYS IN GREECE : DAY 1- Athens

There are several ways to get to Athens which cover air, sea, rail, driving and even on foot!

Apart from the many things you can do in Athens including great shopping, incredible food, and all the ancient sites there is also great nightlife with a plethora of bars, tavernas, and clubs to choose from. There are a lot of new hotels and restaurants many with incredible rooftop views, especially of the Acropolis.

The Acropolis Museum is world-class and needs to be enjoyed either before or after you visit the Acropolis .

How to get to Athens

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos , commonly initialised as AIA, is the largest international airport in Greece. It is usually serviced by Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Qatar and Air China are the best choices for people flying from Asia, the Middle East or Oceania and budget airline Scoot also now fly into Athens. Aegean Airlines codeshares with Etihad.

From the US & Canada, choices include American, Delta, United, and Air Canada and most European carriers have several flights a day in summer including Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Ryan Air.

To get to the city centre you can catch the Metro, a Taxi or the bus or, our book a private transfers .

There are a number of cruises that terminate in Athens that originate from destinations such as Venice, Istanbul and other parts of Europe and that’s another popular way people arrive in the country. Piraeus Port is in fact the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest in the world!

You can also arrive by Ferry from some towns in Turkey, Albania, Italy and Croatia.

It’s also possible to now arrive by train.You can either catch the Eurostar to Bari in Europe and then a ferry across to Greece or travel down through Greece via Paris, Munich, Belgrade & Thessaloniki. More information is available here.

Arriving overland is also a fun and fascinating way to arrive. Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria and Turkey and it can be a lot of fun and incredibly interesting to arrive by car or bus and to continue to explore Greece by road.

If renting a car in Greece E.U. Member-State citizens may use their own national driving license, while citizens of other countries must have an international driving license together with their own valid national driving license. For further reading check out our comprehensive article on Driving in Greece .

Where to stay in Athens :

For couples : Zillers Hotel has only 10 rooms and amazing Acropolis views from some rooms and the lovely rooftop bar and restaurant and its right on Mitropolous dining street,or The Foundry Suites in Psiri are uber cool and was once an industrial foundry.

For families and groups : The Pinnacle is a 2 bedroom suite that sleeps 6 or the gorgeous White House Plaka is a restored historic home that can sleep up to 11 people.

Solo : I love to stay at Ergon House when I’m on my own. Its across from Zillers and part of the famous Ergon House food emporiums. They have even let me use my room until my 6pm International flight at no extra charge!

Where to eat in Athens on Day One:

Lunch : Nikitas in Psiri for cheap and cheerful homecooked meals or Kostas for amazing Gyros.

Dinner : Maiandros or Athinaikon in Monastaraki/Syntagma

Drinks : enjoy Sunset drinks at the Grand Bretagne Rooftop bar

Things to do in Athens on Day One:

explore the area around your Hotel and get your bearings
wander down Ermou Pedestrian Street
Visit Syntagma Square and see Parliament House and the Changing of the Greek Presidential Guard – the Evzones
wander through Plaka and the many cafes, shops and galleries
stop by the Monastaraki flea market
walk into the Athens Central Food Market

DAY 2 – Athens

Where to eat in athens on day two:.

Breakfast : this will likely be included in your hotel tarrif. Otherwise the Brunch Factory does incredible meals for breakfast and lunch.

Lunch : Cafe Melina is one of the prettiest spot in the Plaka or Gyros Pou Gyrevis for fantastic Gyros near the Acropolis Museum.

Dinner : Yiasemi in Plaka ( the much photographed steps) or Lithos Taverna in Psiri does my favourite Moussaka.

Things to do in Athens on Day Two:

Visit the Acropolis either as early or as late as possible. Read our Full Guide on how to do this and the Acropolis Museum.
Visit the Acropolis Museum
Catch the Red Hop on Hop off bus to visit various ancient sites and points of interest
Stroll through the National Gardens and see the Temple of Zeus
have coffee or a drink in the Plaka
Take in an open air concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Spend time before, during or instead of a concert in the lively area of Psiri including a visit to the colourful and very kooky Little Kook !

10 DAYS IN GREECE: Day 4 – Santorini

Santorini is a bucket list destination for most people and for good reason.

Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds it. The views truly are the stuff of legends and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners.

It can get a bit crazy when the cruise ships come in each day so a room with a pool and terrace makes for a great escape for an afternoon siesta and sundowners. When you re-emerge for dinner most of the tourists will have floated away!

We love to stay in Oia which is considered the most picturesque village, although a lot of people also enjoyed Imerovigli which is about a 20 minute walk along the nice flat footpath that runs along the Caldera seam.

There are a surprising amount of things to do on Santorini with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping and some of the worlds most iconic and photographed sunsets.

How to get to Santorini

You can travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry or by plane. Return to Athens from Meteora either on your overnight tour, by driving or by train.

The small international airport has several flights to Athens a day as well as regular flights in summer from other European destinations like Rome and England. Check flight schedules HERE.

There are also many ferries each day, year round.

Most service either the Western or Eastern Cyclades Islands and on to Athens whilst some come from Crete. Book ferry tickets HERE.

TIP : Both the port and the airport can be quite nuts in summer and there can be long waits for the cablecar, taxis and donkeys. It REALLY pays to have a private transfer waiting for you!

Where to stay in Santorini :

For couples : Ducato Di Oia ( adults only) suites in Oia or Above Blue Suites in Imerovigli for more isolation and at a lower price point.

For families and groups : White Harmony Suites have 2 bedroom suites or Theoxenia Boutique Hotel have squad rooms and are not far from, dare I say it, McDonalds.

Solo : Kivotos in Imerovigli for a splurge or Abelonas Retreat on a tight budget

Where to eat in Santorini on Day four:

Breakfast : this will likely be included in your hotel tarrif. Otherwise Our Corner in Fira and La Scala on Oia are great choices.

Lunch : Lefkes Taverna in Oia is hard to beat for food or service. It often books out well in advance.

Dinner: Santorini Mou in Oia or Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna in Ammoudi Bay.

Things to do in Santorini on Day four:

do the famous Fira to Oia Hike ( or vice-versa) or one of the other great hikes on Santorini
explore the maze of streets in Oia including Panagia Platsani Church
visit famous Atlantis Books for a unique bookshop experience
check out the many upmarket boutiques and jewellery shops in Oia
walk down to Oia Castle and jostle with the crowds for those famous sunset photos!

Where to eat in Santorini on Day five:

Breakfast : this will likely be included in your hotel tariff. Otherwise, see Day One.

Lunch : enjoy lunch either at one of the wineries or at Aeolos Taverna in Akrotiri. If heading to Black Beach enjoy lunch at Akro Beach Bar .

Dinner : Book a sunset dinner cruise on the Caldera

Drinks : V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar in Fira or Le Moustache Pool Lounge

Things to do in Santorini on Day five:

a half day tour of the island
visit fascinating Akrotiri – Greece’s ‘Pompeii’ & nearby Red Beach
tour the world renowned wineries with a sommelier
do wine tasting AND a cooking class
visit authentic Pyrgos village and see what Santorini is like for long time locals
See the amazing Lost Atlantis 9D experience . Especially popular with kids!

Day 7 – Paros

For many people Paros is the perfect Greek island. Not too small nor too big, with something for everyone.

It’s also strategically located as one of the first ferry ports from Athens to the popular Cyclades islands and therefore a great place to access the mainland coming from the other direction.

We like to stay in Naoussa on Paros which many say is like a small, cheaper version of Mykonos with a lively mix of tavernas, bars, and nightclubs as well as lovely whitewashed alleys full of great cafes and boutiques and gelati stores.

The port town of Parikia is also nice and a little more affordable than Naoussa.

How to get to Paros

You can also travel to Paros by ferry from Naxos which takes about 30 minutes.

There are many ferries each day, year-round. The port town is called Parikia and that, or Naoussa are the best options to base yourself.

Book ferry tickets HERE .

Book Port and Airport transfers HERE

Where to stay in Paros :

For couples : Lilly Residence is stunning and Adults Only or Senia Hotel is a perennial favourite year round.

For families and groups : Paliomylos Hotel and Spa is where we chose to stay for special birthday celebrations with 38 family and friends. Chrys and the team are amazing! They have family rooms that can sleep up to 6 people, with kitchens too. Hotel Senia is also excellent and have family rooms, 2 bedrooms apartments and are open year round too.

If you prefer something fully-self contained with a pool then check out Pila Pala Suites or Villa Trifylia.

Solo : Parian Village Beach Hotel is right on the beach near the port town of Parikia and have great value single rooms with beautiful sea views and a nice pool.

Where to eat in Paros on day 7:

Breakast : Ragoussis Bakery is huge and amazing! In fact there are many excellent bakeries across the island.

Lunch : If staying in Naoussa head to Kargas for delicious Gyros and cold beer. In Parikia eat at Filoxenia Seaside Grill and have a swim at the calm beach across the road.

Dinner : You cant visit Naoussa without dining at one of the lively port restaurants like Sigi Ikthios or its famous neighbour Barbarossa which is favoured by celebrities. We love Sativa Music Bar in Parikia which has great food as well as entertainment.

Drinks : if you’re wanting to kick on after dinner, Agosta bar in Naoussa or any of its immediate neighbours, are the place to be.

Things to do in Paros :

If you are staying in Naoussa or Parikia you can easily spend a day just wandering around and exploring those towns.
One of the most important churches in Greece is in Parikia the byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani aka The Church of 100 Doors.
There are a lot of cultural activities to enjoy including cooking classes , l anguage lessons and more .

If you are heading to or from the islands serviced by Rafina Port this can actually be a nice place to spend a night or two, especially if it’s your last night in Greece before heading to the airport and your flight home.

The airport is only 10 minutes away by car so it’s a great place to spend one last night by the sea, reflecting back on your amazing trip ( and planning the next one).

Being so close to the airport its also a great starting point on your vacation in Greece if you are keen to get straight to the islands rather than going into Athens.

How to get to Rafina

You can travel to Rafina by ferry from Paros which takes about 3 hours but you may need to connect on Syros or Mykonos. Timetables for this route are often not released until Spring so keep an eye on schedules HERE .

If a ferry is not running at the time you require you can also fly to Athens from Paros and catch a taxi to Rafina.

Book Port and Airport Transfers HERE

Where to stay in Rafina:

The Avra Hotel is across from the beach and offers a free airport shuttle.

Also check out the nearby beachside suburbs of Artemida , Porto Rafti and Vravrona. We especially like the charming Seasabelle Hotel near Artemida which have stylish beachfront rooms that can sleep up to 4, and at a very reasonable price point too.

Just 7 minutes south there is a big modern 5-star resort right on the beach at Vravrona Bay – only 20 minutes from the airport. This is a huge complex with several swimming pools, a day spa, a water sports centre and a poolside restaurant – great for families! It’s also very close to the Archaeological Site and Museum of Brauron (pictured below) which includes the Temple of Artemis and is rather extraordinary

Where to eat in Rafina:

Breakast : this will likely be included in your hotel tariff.

Lunch : Eat at Taverna Artemis if visiting the Temple. Otherwise there are a number of excellent tavernas around the bay. We love Archontikon especially. You can also head down to Rafina Beach and Kraken Beach bar.

Dinner: It is hard to choose between legendary places like Seirines or Kaouria to Asimaki aand Palia Rafina and Aγονη Γραμμ are excellent too. These places have some of the freshest, and cheapest, seafood in the Mediterranean.

This itinerary for 10 days in Greece offers something for all types of travellers to Greece and at all price points, visiting 3 of the best Greek islands as well as spending time in and around the fascinating ancient capital and the beautiful Thessaly countryside.

Of course, you can adjust it for a slower pace simply by extending a few places by a day or two.

You will take in stunning vistas, fascinating historical sites and information, hang out at beautiful beaches, visit medieval Greek villages and monastaries and world class wineries. You will see authentic Greek fishing villages, sail on the clearest azure water you’ve ever seen and indulge in some of the best food and nightlife on the planet.

3 Alternate itineraries for 10 days in Greece

An itinerary for history/archaeology buffs:.

Athens – 2 nights

Meteora – 1 night

Delphi – 1 night

The Peloponnese – 5 nights

Athenian Riviera – 1 night

An itinerary for Instagrammers:

Santorini – 3 nights

Milos – 3 nights

Mykonos – 2 nights

An itinerary for peace and tranquility:

Meteora – 2 nights

Skopelos – 3 nights

Alonissos – 2 nights

Rafina – 1 night

Don’t forget Travel Insurance!

It’s important to make sure you are covered for medical expenses ( some countries may include this in health insurance) but also for lost baggage, flight and ferry delays and cancellations, theft, and emergencies, including something that happens back home while you are away.

This can save you tens of thousands of dollars, or even more.

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What You Need To Know About Planning A Trip To Greece

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Here is your ultimate guide to planning a trip to Greece. We’ve covered everything from island hopping, accommodation, visa, food, entertainment, and much, much, much more.

Greece Travel Blog_How To Plan A Trip To Greece

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Planning A Trip To Greece

Are you getting ready to plan a trip to Greece? Yay! You’re going to have a blast.

Heading to a place like Greece will guarantee you a great time. However, I know from past experiences that navigating the details can be a little mind-boggling, especially when you want to include a few Greek islands on your itinerary.

Below, we’ve covered all the main questions, like what to eat in Greece, the best places to stay in Greece, Greek trip visa requirements, and, of course, things to do in Greece. Read on for these and more ideas on how best to plan your trip to Greece

When Is The Best Time To Visit Greece

Whenever considering a trip to Greece, the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is a paradisiac beach holiday. Home to some of the most stunning European beaches, the country is instantly synonymous with seascapes, glorious beaches, and turquoise seas.

However, not everyone knows that Greece’s summers can be unbearably hot and humid and that sometimes it might be a much more successful idea to plan a trip to Greece during spring or even autumn .

It is also true that when we hear the word Greece, dozens of named islands come to our minds as if only Crete, Santorini, or Mykonos are places worth visiting. However, the Greek Islands are just a fraction of the country’s landscape.

Mainland Greece is made of unique cities, villages, and landscapes, primarily mountainous, making the country a perfect winter destination , ideal for practicing winter sports, including skiing or snowboarding.

For this reason, we’ve created this season-by-season guide to Greece to help you discover the different types of vacations you can enjoy in the country, even for those who don’t go crazy about beach holidays!

September In Greece
Greece In Winter
Corfu In Winter
Winter In Santorini
Christmas In Greece
Easter In Greece

How Many Days To Spend In Greece

Planning A Trip To Greece - Temple of Concordia and the statue of Fallen Icarus, in the Valley of the temples

As many as you can. Honestly, the country offers so much that you should not try to rush Greece. Take as many vacation days as possible.

How To Plan A Greece Vacation – Make An Itinerary

Aerial view over southern skiathos island, Greece

Whoah, this is the trickiest of all Greek vacation planning. After all, there is no amount of time on any one vacation to see all of this incredible country.

Greek Trip Plans – Decide If You Stopover Or Spend A Few Days

If you’re heading to Greece on a stopover to another place and have just a few days, stick to Athens and perhaps one of the Greek islands closest to Athens, such as the hypnotizing island of Hydr a. Other choices include:

Here is a list of Greek islands closest to Athens.

A week in greece.

Now, if you have a week to spend in Greece, your options open up much more! I would not skip exploring the place you’re landing in – which would most likely be either Athens or Thessonali. You can see quite a few things in either place in two or three days and get your bearings in Greece .

Of course, it is then time to start planning a trip to the Greek islands. Try to choose islands where you can add a trip or two, making the most of your week’s stay. Otherwise, you’ll spend too much time packing and traveling and less time on the beaches and eating Greek food! I would stick to a maximum of two islands.

Ten Days In Greece Itinerary

Having more than a week in Greece seriously opens up your island exploration options. If it’s your first time in Greece, you might want to try to fit in as many destinations as possible in your itinerary – just be warned, the result could be too overwhelming.

However, if you keep your itinerary well-planned and straightforward, ten days can be a good number of days to see the best of the country and its islands .

If you’re lucky enough to have ten days (or more) to spend in Greece, here are some ideas for making the most of them.

Days 1-5: Athens
Days 6-8: Thessaloniki
Days 9-10: Athens
Days 1 – 2 Athens
Day 3 Mykonos
Days 4-6 Naxos
Days 7-8 Paros
Days 9-10 Mykonos – Athens
Days 1-3 Athens
Days 3-5 Mykonos-Santorini
Days 6-9 Crete
Day 10 Athens

Find the complete itineraries for ten days in Greece here.

How much is a trip to greece.

Things to do in Ios Island - Traditional Greek taverns on the streets. Ios island

When you plan a vacation in Greece, you want to know how much you need to budget for it.

But this is one question that we can not answer. We tend to travel in a mix between budgets and do not keep track of costs. But, like any place, Greece can be done on a budget if you travel to Greece out of season or stay out of the more popular areas.

Equally, you can spend thousands of euros a day on a villa and much the same on good food and booze. So when you plan a Greece vacation, know you can find things to do and see suitable for all budgets!

How to travel to Greece on a budget .

Brands we use and trust, how to get around the greek islands.

There is nothing more magical, romantic, and adventurous than boarding a Greek ferry and sailing the sea to explore Greece’s unique beaches. Although most of us close our eyes and dream about the enchanting images of white Santorini, there are so many more Greek islands to choose from that you never know exactly where to start when planning a trip .

First, you must know that the islands are divided into different groups. Some are extremely popular among Greek island-hopping tourists, while others, equally enchanting, are almost unknown and offer a great vacation spot for those looking for less crowded places.

So, how are you planning to get around? First, you need to know which islands you want to visit and whether they have direct ferry connections. In that case, you need to start here and choose the islands you want to see.

After you have done that, we have many island guides to help you plan how to travel between them.

Aegean Islands
Sporades Islands
Ionian Islands
Saronic Islands
Dodecanese Islands
Lesser-Known Greek Islands
Greek Party Islands
Secluded & Quiet Islands In Greece
Closest Islands To Santorini
Greek Islands Close To Turkey

Get Around Greece Not Just by Ferry

For those who are short on time or looking to jump between islands not connected by direct ferries, domestic flights can be a game-changer. Major islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu have airports with flights to and from Athens, making them accessible starting points or additions to your journey.

Boats & Yachts

For a more intimate or luxurious experience, consider renting a boat or joining a yacht tour. This option offers flexibility and the chance to visit secluded coves and beaches not accessible by large ferries.

Public Transport, Ride Share & Taxis

Once on the islands, buses and taxis are reliable ways to get around. Buses cater to major routes and are affordable ways to explore. Taxis, while pricier, provide convenience and comfort, especially for late-night returns from a day of exploring or a night out.

And as of 2023, you now have Uber in some places like Corfu and Rhodes.

Rental Cars

For the ultimate freedom, renting a car, scooter, or ATV can open up hidden corners of the islands. This option lets you explore at your own pace, following the sun from one stunning beach to another. Just remember to check local licensing requirements and drive safely!

How To Choose Which Greek Islands & Places To Visit

With thousands of choices about where to go and what to see, we know it’s all so hard to choose. To help you weigh up where to go and what to know, we’ve started a few lists and will add to them over the year.

How To Choose Between Santorini Or Crete
How To Decide Between Athens And Thessaloniki

How To Get To Greece

Airports On Greek Islands - Greek Islands With Airports - Thessaloniki Airport, Greece

Are you looking to find out about flights to the Greek islands ? Like, which Greek islands have airports? Maybe you need to know where the international airports in Greece are. Almost all of the Greek island groups have at least one international airport; the exception is Evia, but it is very close to the mainland, so in that case, you can fly into Athens.

There are two major airports in Greece; the busiest is in Athens (ATH), and the second is in Thessaloniki (SKG).

Read here about all of the airports on the Greek Islands.

How To Get From Albania To Corfu
How To Get From Italy To Greece
How To Get From Croatia To Greece
How To Get From Rome To Athens
How To Get From Turkey To Greece

What To Buy In Greece

If you’re planning a trip to Greece and are wondering what souvenirs you can bring home from your Greece vacation, we’ve got you covered!

Souvenir collecting is always fun. Several items in this list represent Greece , which makes excellent gifts for someone who loves Greece. The good news is that Greece is a country with rich culture and local specialties.

Accommodation In Greece & Deciding Where To Stay

Those Instagram-worthy hotels fill up fast; I advise booking well in advance if you want the best views and rooms. If you’re much more flexible, nothing ever fills up completely, so you can book last minute—be prepared to be on the outskirts and have the older, less renovated accommodations.

Best Beach Resorts In Greece
Where To Stay In Crete
Where To Stay In Mykonos
Top Hotels In Santorini
Where To Stay In Greece To Avoid The Crowds
Where To Stay On Honeymoon In Greece

What To Pack For Greece

Are you an over-packer? You may want to try to trim down your luggage when packing for Greece. Why? There are lots of stairs, cobblestone streets to navigate, and often no bellhops in sight.

Of course, you can not forget the essentials, such as:

Visa & passport : If you’re from a European country belonging to the Schengen Zone, you can access the country only with your ID. But now it’s a good time to check if your passport is valid or if you need to renew it. Please keep it safe in a passport holder
Rental cars: find out if you need an International Driving Permit, and if you do, check how to get the request process started. Also, check what other documents you might need to rent a car in Greece, including your credit card here
Insurance : Never travel abroad without adequate insurance coverage. Now is the time to take care of it!

After you have sorted those things out, you should read our detailed guide about what to pack for Greece here.

Getting around Istanbul - The ferry in the Bosphorus, Istanbul

There is magic to be had onboard a Greek ferry, island hopping from one glorious island to the next! Some islands are not easy to reach, while others are so close. We have guides on how to get to the main ones below and will add more later this year.

Athens to Crete
Santorini to Crete
Mykonos to Paros
Santorini to Milos
Mykonos to Ios

Traveling Greece With Kids

Your Guide To Santorini With Kids (Plus The Pros and Cons List)

Greece is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. Really! It is! As a mom of two boys, I have to take my kids everywhere I travel , and Greece with kids is easy.

Few countries are as perfect for a family holiday as Greece . It is a trip where both kids and parents can enjoy something, especially for each of them. Other favorites of ours are Croatia and Slovenia ). The government manages to combine many key features that attract families from all over the world year after year, coming to Greece to enjoy a relaxing and pleasant family vacation in Greece that’s also fun for every family member.,

Greece With Kids
Corfu For Families
Santorini With Kids

Car Rental And Driving Tips In Greece

Planning A Trip To Greece - Driving in Greece

Is it a good idea to drive to Greece ? Yes! Provided you listen to the rules, take your time, bear in mind that locals sometimes drive a little more erratically than you might be used to, and hire the correct type of car for your needs, driving is a beautiful way to check out the passing landscapes .

Read this guide on car rental and driving tips for Greece.

Drinking & eating in greece.

What To Eat In Turkey - Turkish Food - Tavuk Shish

Greek food is loved worldwide and will be well remembered once your holiday is over.

Any mealtime in Greece is a big event. Moreover, enjoying Greek cuisine comes with a lesson; you will learn that the simplest ingredients are the best ones, and you will realize that you need nothing more than freshness and simplicity to have a feast at the table.

Mediterranean vegetables, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil , the catch of the day, goat, lamb, chicken, grains, fantastic varieties of bread, creative pies, and unique fresh salads are some things you’ll experience. Good quality honey, thick, rich yogurt, and good local wine are among the staples of Greek cuisine that you should try.

Greek Food Guide
Ordering Coffee In Greece
What To Drink In Greece

Visa Requirements For Greece

To make things very easy, Greece is part of the Schengen Zone, which means that many of you can probably visit without the need to apply for a visa.

If you’re eligible, you can enjoy up to ninety days in the Schengen Zone in as many countries as you like – make sure you do not have too much fun and overstay your 90 days (in 180 days), or else you’ll get into big trouble.

Short On Time? Stay On The Mainland

Archaeological Sites In Greece - Parthenon on Acropolis, Athens, Greece

The islands are a must-see without question, but make sure you leave time for the mainland. You’ll take home tonnes of photos and memories from places like Meteora; the archaeological sites and the beaches on the mainland are just as pretty as those on the islands.

Guide To Meteora Monasteries
Ten Mainland Greece Beaches
Top Archaeological Sites In Greece
Most Beautiful Cities In Greece

Honeymoon In Greece

It’s a no-brainer that Greece is the ideal spot for lovers and honeymooners . If you’re designing a couples’ Greek island vacation, we’ve got the low down for a Greece trip below:

Best Greek islands for couples.

Where to stay on a honeymoon in greece..

How To Tip In Greece

The tipping culture in Greece may not be known to you as it varies from country to country in Europe. This Greece tipping guide will help you navigate this tricky part of travel.

What Currency To Take To Greece

There is only one currency that you can use—euros. The local currency in Greece has been the Euro since 2002. If you’ve spoken to people about travels in Greece before ’02, then they would’ve used the Greek Drachma.

Euro notes: 5 – 500

Euro coins: 1 & 2 euro coins, 5 – 50 euro cents

Are you wondering, “Will my credit card work in Greece?” Worry not; you’re free to use your credit or debit card quite widely in main towns, cities, and tourist areas.

However, be sure to have cash handy if you’re heading into a more rural or smaller area, as you may struggle to find ATMs or restaurants with card machines. Outside of rural areas, ATMs are very widely available.

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Facts About Greece

Archaeological Sites In Greece - Knossos Palace

When getting ready for your epic trip to Greece, you might be curious to learn interesting, fun, and fascinating facts about the country. Or maybe you want to surprise your friends after a holiday? No matter what your case is, we’ve got you covered.

Learn 80 facts about Greece right here.

Learn some basic greek phrases.

Learning a few basic Greek phrases can greatly enhance your vacation experience in Greece, making interactions with locals smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s a list of essential Greek phrases to get you started:

Hello : “Γειά σου” (Ya sou) – informal, “Γειά σας” (Ya sas) – formal or to more than one person
Goodbye : “Αντίο” (Adio)
Please : “Παρακαλώ” (Parakaló)
Thank you : “Ευχαριστώ” (Efcharistó)
Yes : “Ναι” (Nai)
No : “Όχι” (Óchi)
Excuse me / Sorry : “Συγγνώμη” (Signómi)
I don’t understand : “Δεν καταλαβαίνω” (Den katalavéno)
Do you speak English? : “Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;” (Miláte Angliká?)
How much is this? : “Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό;” (Póso kostízei aftó?)
Where is…? : “Πού είναι…?” (Poú eínai…?)
The bathroom : “Το μπάνιο” (To bánio)
Help! : “Βοήθεια!” (Voíthia!)
Water : “Νερό” (Neró)
Food : “Φαγητό” (Fagitó)
The bill, please : “Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ” (Ton logariasmó, parakaló)

Best Greece FAQs

Do i need a passport to travel to greece.

If you’re a citizen of an EU country or Schengen Area member, you do not need a passport to travel to Greece; a national ID card is sufficient for entry and travel within Greece and the rest of the Schengen Area, for non-EU/Schengen international travelers, such as those from the United States, Canada, and Australia, a valid passport is required. This passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area, although some countries demand six months of validity.

What are some must-see attractions in beautiful Greece?

Some must-see attractions in beautiful Greece include Delphi, known for its ancient ruins, and the vibrant city of Athens.

When is the best time to travel to Greece?

The best time to travel to Greece is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) to avoid the crowds and extreme heat of July and August.

What should I pack for my Greece trip?

It’s recommended to pack light and comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a travel adapter, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of Greece!

How do I start planning my Greece vacation without a travel agent?

You can start planning your Greece vacation by researching the best itinerary that suits your travel style, booking accommodations, and transportation. We can help you create the perfect Greek itinerary here.

When is the peak season in Greece, and when do most visitors arrive?

The peak season in Greece is July and August when most visitors arrive to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and vibrant atmosphere. It’s recommended that accommodations and activities be booked well in advance during this time.

This little guide to planning a trip to Greece is just a taste of what we can tell you about Greece. Be sure to hit Greece in the menu above to find more hints and tips on how to plan a trip to Greece.

5 Lesser-Known Greek Islands
How To Rent A Car In Greece + Driving Tips
What To See & Do In Santorini In The Winter
Guide To Traveling The Balkan Countries
What To Expect & Do In September In Greece
Unique Ideas For Kids In Greece
Things To Do And Eat During Easter In Greece
How To Travel Greece On A Budget
A Guide To Milos Island
Fascinating Facts About Greece
Mykonos To Paros Ferry Guide
Best Beaches In Peloponnese
How To Choose Between Croatia Or Greece

very nice blog I Appreciate

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Walk the paths of Greek Mythology, set in a vibrant modern country, home to stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and ouzo. Opa!

With an impressive mainland and countless stunning islands, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit in Greece. One of these such places is the Peloponnese Peninsula. The southernmost region of Greece and all of Europe, this region is the birthplace of Greek mythology. Walk the path of Greek legends such as Hercules, Paris, and Helen. Explore the eclectic architecture, a testament to the civilizations that have passed through here, including Byzantine, Ottoman, Frankish, and Venetian. For more incredible history, pay a visit to the Cape of Sounion, home to the ruins of the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon. Make sure to visit Greece’s second-most popular archaeological site, Delphi. Once considered by the Ancient Greeks as the center of the earth, this ancient temple was the seat of the Oracle of Delphi. Once leaving the mainland, you can island hop through pristine beaches, amazing nightlife, breathtaking scenery, and an unimaginable number of ancient historic sites.

No trip to Greece is complete without Athens. Home to the Acropolis as well as many other ancient sites and ruins, Athens is just one of the many amazing cities to visit in Greece. The capital of the Macedonia Region, Thessaloniki is the perfect synthesis of old and new, this northern city is known for its Byzantine walls and modern nightclubs. The town of Kalambaka is mainly a base for exploring the nearby beautiful Meteora rock formations. Greece also offers travelers a wide variety of Greek Islands to visit. If you’re after the white-washed houses with blue shutters from the postcards of Greece, Oia should be your next stop. Located on the island of Santorini, Oia is known for its hilly landscape, picturesque houses, and breathtaking sunsets over the caldera. Finally, known for its idyllic beaches and excellent nightlife, Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Whether it be on the mainland or its islands off the coast, Greece has no shortage of both historic and modern sites to visit.

Thessaloniki

Oia (Santorini)

Fira (Santorini)

Malia (Crete)

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Tips for planning a trip to Greece: Islands and archaeological sites of interest

Greece attracts visitors from all over the world ready to recognize landscapes, read and recreated before in their imagination, with heavenly beaches and dreamy islands.

But a trip to Greece has a lot to offer. Cradle of history and mythology, the Hellenic country offers endless options of beautiful islands with their respective archaeological sites, mostly UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here we detail some of them.

The Acropolis of Athens

Those who have never traveled to the Hellenic country cannot escape the magic of Athens , the land where western civilization was born. The Acropolis was inhabited since the end of the Neolithic era (2800 B.C. - 2500 B.C.), as evidenced by the ceramic remains found in the area, and for a long time it was used as a refuge for the inhabitants of its surroundings. The oldest buildings date back to the 14th century B.C. The Acropolis is a genuine testament to the golden age of Greece, between 461 and 429 B.C., the magical period displaying the height of Pericles' influence, in which the intellectual and artistic life of Athens flourished. It is believed to have been inhabited without interruption throughout the Bronze Age and the following times.

There is the temple of Athena Nike, built between 488 and 427 B.C. The Parthenon is a masterpiece of architecture conceived by Pericles and executed between 447 and 438 B.C. by the brilliant sculptor Phidias, who was also responsible for building the Erechtheum, located on top of the Acropolis (famous for the six maiden-shaped columns that support one of the doors: the caryatids), another masterpiece that you will find there.

The Acropolis is open every day from 08:00 to 17:00, and in spring and summer, it remains open until 19:00. The closing days of the archaeological site are January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday and December 25 and 26. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices located at the entrance of the venue, and you can also buy your tickets online without lines. Both are valid to visit the entire archaeological site.

Minoan ruins on the island of Crete

Crete 's appearance in history is linked to the development of the Minoan civilization. When the first Achaean invaders (Indo-European Bronze Age people) arrived on the Cretan coast, during the 15th-13th century BC, the island had long enjoyed an advanced civilization: Homer called it "the island of one hundred cities”. Excavations begun in the 19th century have brought to light the impressive remains of one of the brightest civilizations of all time: in 1878, Minos Kalokairinos carried out the excavations of Knossos and its palace, belonging to King Minos. The hill of Knossos had been inhabited since the Neolithic, and the population spread over the surrounding terrain. Around 1900 BC, the top was leveled and the first palace was built; two centuries later, after an earthquake, the new palace was erected.

Knossos is 5 km from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, a hectic city with a lot of movement, typical of coastal cities. We recommend a walk through the Venetian port area and the streets of the center that will make you discover several interesting monuments, as well as being ideal for those who want to shop.

Delphi Ruins

On a trip to the city Delphi , you can visit The Temple of Apollo. The temple visible today (there were six others successively built on the site) dates back to the 4th century BC Above the temple is the theater, very well preserved, where 5,000 spectators could sit; the works, which started in the 3rd century BC, were not completed until 160 BC, and it was later restored by the Romans. The view from the theater is worth the climb, as is the view from the stadium, which is up the mountain, and represents the highest point of the old city. Embraced by a pine forest, this is a quiet refuge with the resounding majesty of the mountain as the background.

The Archaeological site of Olympia

Olympia is the ancient sanctuary of Zeus, one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece. Located on the Peloponnese peninsula in mainland Greece, this is the place where the original Olympic Games were held in ancient times. Its extensive ruins encompass sports training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. Although the first Olympiad is believed to have taken place in 776 B.C., the bronze figures from the geometric period (10th-8th centuries) reveal that the sanctuary was already in use before then.

Although the visit could last a day, since there are many places to see in Olympia, a tourist visit will take approximately two and a half or three hours to see everything with ease and taking photographs. As in the rest of the archaeological sites of Greece, as in most places to visit in Olympia there is not much shade, so it is advisable to come with sunscreen, hat and water. ( See packages to Olympia in Travel to Greece ).

Delos Archaeological Site

Although Delos is a small islet, with hardly any natural resources, it was able to become the religious and political center of the Aegean. In 1000 BC, the Ionians, who inhabited the Cyclades, had made Delos their religious capital and introduced the cult of Apollo. Delos was excavated in 1873 by the French school of archeology in Athens and its main buildings are: The agora of the Competaliasts, a market next to the sacred port, built in the 2nd century BC. The temple of Delos or great temple, one of the three dedicated to Apollo, built from 478 BC, but whose works stopped in the middle of the century and were not restarted until the 3rd century BC.; the fountain of Minos, the terrace of the lions, the theater of the 3rd century BC, initially of marble and later of wood.

But this island is not only focused on its history and we must focus on the typical food of this island, which is one of the so-called Cyclades. The special geomorphology of these islands, together with the sea, the wind and the sun, determine the special characteristics and quality of the products produced on their land. Grapes, olives, legumes and vegetables that do not need too much water, tomato varieties, wild vegetables, wild artichokes, wild asparagus, capers, kritamo, among others, are the main raw materials of the islands in terms of food . Fishing, of course, is also an important element, while meat is scarcer and mainly used for celebrations. The Cycladic cheese is an incredible synthesis of flavors and aromas. ( See Delos packages in Trips to Greece ).

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How much Does a Trip to Greece Cost? (2024 Travel Budget)

I s a vacation to the Greek Islands on your bucket list? I always knew the Greek Islands were expensive but until I started researching our trip to Greece costs, I didn’t realize quite how pricey a vacation to Greece can be.

After spending 10 days in Greece for our special anniversary trip, we have a great handle on what you will need to save for your Greek Islands travel budget (hint: it depends on which island you visit!)

The Greek Islands have never been a budget destination, but these days if you want to go the luxury route for a special occasion trip (like our 20th-anniversary trip!), it is downright expensive. So before you pull the trigger and book a Greek vacation, make sure you figure out your own Greece trip cost.

In this Greece travel budget, I’ve broken down your estimated expenses including airfare, intracountry transportation, accommodations, food, and activities. Given four-star level accommodations, a total Greece vacation budget when visiting Greece in the summer for a total of 12 nights for two adults would be $9,710 , or about $405 per person, per day . But read on for a detailed breakdown and how you can save money on your trip.

How to Plan Your Trip to Greece

Planning a trip to Greece can get complicated. Coming from the USA, it is easiest to fly directly into Athens, but then if you are visiting the Greek Islands, you need to figure out how to get to the various islands.

You can also fly into one island and out of another, but you will need to connect somewhere in Europe, and depending on the day you leave, there can also be long layovers. And, you still need to worry about getting ferry tickets or flights from place to place. Plus ferry tickets can book up early so you need to plan in advance.

WHere in Greece do you Want to go?

Your first step in planning your Greek Islands vacation is to choose your destinations and figure out how long you want to spend in each location. Are you mostly interested in archeological sites and learning about the Ancient Greeks? Or do you want to relax by the beach for most of your holiday in Greece?

Which islands you choose makes a difference too. Santorini and Mykonos are notoriously expensive. Santorini is popular with couples and Mykonos is known as a party island.

Lesser visited islands like Naxos are much less expensive and family-friendly, but some may not have as much tourist infrastructure built out. Other islands like Crete are so large you need a week or more just for one island.

WHen do you Want to Travel?

Will you travel in the high season and deal with the crowds, or opt for the less crowded shoulder seasons? Or maybe you want to save money and visit the mainland during the low season and potentially navigate closures, cooler weather, and limited services on the islands?

All of these factors make calculating what a trip to Greece costs a challenge. But to make your budgeting job a little easier, I’ve put together a sample travel budget for your reference.

Greece Budget Assumptions

Our trip was a splurge vacation to celebrate a milestone birthday and anniversary, but I’ve based this budget on a more moderate trip. I’ve tried to provide some comparisons if you are looking to upgrade to luxury properties.

For simplicity, I’ve also used U.S. dollars and typically use xe.com to get up-to-date currency conversion rates. Luckily right now the U.S. dollar is strong against the Euro so, for Americans, your money goes further.

In order to determine what a trip to Greece costs, I’ve based this Greece travel budget on the following assumptions:

Pricing for two adults
Traveling from a major airport hub on the east coast of the United States (e.g. JFK)
Travel during the summer
A trip of 12 nights
Stops in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete — these popular destinations were chosen as they might typically be included in a Greek vacation package

To create your budget and a general idea of how much it costs to go to Greece, I’ve included the following:

Approximate price of flights (both international and in-country)
The average cost of a hotel in Athens and in popular island destinations
Transportation costs to get around Greece
How much money to set aside for special experiences, like a day trip from Athens or a sunset cruise around Santorini

Keep in mind that if you are traveling on a tight budget, a great way to reduce costs is to stick to the mainland and shorten your trip. You can also choose to visit some of the less expensive islands, like Naxos , Paros, and others. By making those adjustments, you can easily cut the cost of your accommodations practically in half.

How much does a trip to Greece cost?

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Prices are subject to change.

The costs in this post have been organized by airfare, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. As I mentioned, I included some of our actual costs as a comparison.

Airfare to Greece

One of the reasons that airfare eats up a lot of money when budgeting for a trip to Greece is that there are a limited number of direct flights from the U.S. to Athens, and even fewer in the off-season and shoulder seasons.

If you don’t live near one of a handful of airports, you’ll have to connect elsewhere in the U.S. or Europe before arriving in Athens, and likely pay even more to do so. For daily direct service to and from Athens in July and August (peak season), the main options at present are American Airlines from Philadelphia, Delta from Boston, JFK, and Atlanta, and Emirates and United from Newark.

Average flight prices during this time of year are $1,000 per person . Prices go up the closer you get to summer so book early if you are visiting Greece in the summer!

If $1,000 per person for the international flight is beyond reach, be aware that the price typically drops to $500-900 in the low and shoulder seasons (fall, winter, and early spring). However, some resorts on the islands won’t be open from November – April, and some ferry services will not operate on a daily schedule, so it will take some finesse in planning to still see everything you’d like to see.

Given the high cost of airfare, it would be a good time to save your credit card points or airline miles for this trip or consider flying a budget airline that connects somewhere in Europe. I also highly recommend signing up for a membership to Going to get alerts on flight deals and set up preferences for your dream destinations.

If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the Travel Freely app to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Intra-Island Flights

Most people traveling to Greece and venturing beyond Athens will end up on another flight at some point, especially if they wish to visit Crete. The quickest ferry from Crete to Athens is 7 hours.

If you are planning on primarily visiting the Greek Islands, pay attention to your flight times. I’ve found that it can be hard to get into Athens early enough to catch a ferry to Santorini or Mykonos on the same day if you are connecting in Europe. This will force you to spend a night in Athens despite your plans. If Athens isn’t a priority, you may want to fly directly to one of the island airports.

The same will be true on the return trip. Depending on how far the island is away from Athens, it may be a challenge to get back to Athens in time for your flight. Especially considering that Greek ferries don’t exactly have a reputation for running on time. That may not be a risk you want to take.

Therefore you may need to return to Athens the night before your flight unless you book a multi-city flight and return from a different island. I also found that some return flights from Athens have exceedingly long layovers on certain days of the week so this is another thing to keep an eye on when you are booking your flights.

The cost for a one-way short flight between Athens and Crete is less than $100 per person (usually $50-75) so this typically makes the most sense for that particular journey.

For this post, I assumed visitors would spend $1,000 per person to get to and from Athens from the U.S., and then another $150 total on a one-way domestic flight back to Athens from Crete.

Total airfare cost: $2,150

Accommodations Costs in Greece

In order to estimate accommodation costs, I allocated two nights in Athens at the start of the trip, two nights in Mykonos, two nights in romantic Santorini, five nights in Crete, and then a final night back in Athens before your return journey back to the United States.

If you don’t have two weeks to enjoy Greece, or you need to cut costs, there are many ways to adjust this itinerary. For example, if the beach isn’t a big priority, you could skip Crete or opt for a few days on the island of Naxos or Paros instead of Crete (they are much closer to Athens and much cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos).

Alternatively, if spending time on the beach and enjoying views of the Aegean Sea is your top priority when planning your trip, then consider simplifying your itinerary by only visiting Athens plus one of the islands in Greece, instead of spending time island hopping around to different locations.

In Athens, expect to pay $500-700 or more per night for a room at a 5-star property in the summer such as the Hotel Grand Bretagne . Pro tip: we used Marriott Bonvoy points to book a night at the Hotel Grand Bretagne.

More basic 4-star accommodation is around $200-450 per night. VRBO options or budget hotels often price out under $140 per night but do choose neighborhoods carefully to ensure you are in a safe area convenient for sightseeing.

Mykonos is one of the most expensive destinations in Greece, especially when it comes to accommodation. Five-star properties are easily $1,000 or more per night in the summer.

Four-star hotels are around $300-600 per night. When we were planning to do one night in Mykonos, I found a bit of a “deal” at the Nissaki Mykonos for 420 per night. Anything below 400 euros will likely be a huge sacrifice in quality and amenities (like a pool) or in location. But that isn’t to say that there aren’t budget properties available.

In Santorini, 5-star hotels such as the Canaves Oia start around $1200 or more per night in the summer. And those gorgeous suites with personal plunge pools or jacuzzis? You could potentially spend $2,000 a night. The town of Oia is the most expensive (but offers the stunning sunsets and blue-domed churches you’ve likely come here to see).

We went with the slightly more affordable property of the Canaves chain, the Canaves Oia Epitome , and the honeymoon suite with the plunge pool was a mere $1,200 a night. It feels insane to spend that much on a hotel room but as I said, this trip was a splurge celebration for us. You can find upscale boutique hotels for less, such as the Vedema Resort , where you may be able to find a room for under $500.

Fira is where the ferry port is located and is a bit cheaper, with easy access to Oia by bus or taxi. A 4-star hotel in Fira such as the Aria Suites will be around $400-500 in the summer.

Even a very basic 3-star hotel in Fira is $300+ per night during peak season. Again, Airbnb/VRBO can offer much cheaper options, but many require a three-night stay minimum, so it may require some itinerary adjustment. If you are booking a vrbo in Santorini , be sure to look carefully at their cancellation policy and any additional cleaning or service fees they may tack on.

Crete is the largest Greek island, and it offers a lovely balance of beautiful beaches plus historically and culturally interesting sites. It also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure and plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from.

These are all reasons Crete works so well as a home base for a lengthier stay during a trip to Greece. Families can expect to pay $200-500 per night in summer for a 4-star resort or boutique hotel on or near the beach such as the Ammos Hotel or Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort .

For a higher-end luxury option, 5-star properties such as the Daios Cove Resort run $500-700 in July and August.

One cost-saving tip is to be aware of affiliations with U.S. chains like Marriott and Hilton. Many Greek hotels and resorts are affiliated with these brands, so guests can earn a lot of points or use existing points they may already have.

As I mentioned before, you could also skip Crete and choose a closer island in the Cyclades and stay on Naxos or Paros. We didn’t have quite as much time so we opted for five nights on Naxos at the Virtu Suites . We got a deluxe sea view suite for just about $700 per night.

To calculate approximate accommodation costs, we assumed booking at 4-star properties in each location, so a $400 average nightly rate was used. You can obviously bring costs down considerably if you book an Airbnb for certain portions of the trip (or the entire trip), or redeem some hotel points for part of your stay. Costs increase dramatically if you opt for a 5-star experience, paying upwards of $1,000 per night in some locations.

Total Accommodation Cost: $4,800 for 12 nights

Transportation Costs within Greece

The most efficient route for getting to these four locations is to take the ferry from Athens to Mykonos, then a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, and a final ferry from Santorini to Crete. Most people would then fly back to Athens from Crete for their return flight to the U.S., but an overnight ferry is an option for that particular journey.

The cost of the ferry and the flight are similar. You can use FerryHopper to check rates and schedules for the various ferry lines and book tickets online.

Each of the ferry journeys outlined above is between two-to-three hours and ferry tickets cost around $20-90 each (depending on if you take a fast ferry or not.) You can save a little if you travel on slower ferries or not at peak times, but it’s usually not significant. You can also choose first-class tickets or VIP tickets with priority boarding and seating, but that will cost a bit more.

Keep in mind when planning your trip that you will need to book ferries at least a couple of months in advance as they do sell out and you don’t want to end up stuck without a way to get from island to island.

For those who choose to travel to the typical destinations in Greece (Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, for example, as outlined in this post), then a car rental isn’t necessary. Hotels can arrange transfers or I used Welcome Pickups to schedule transfers to/from the port in many destinations and it worked perfectly every time and we were relieved to not have to wait in a long taxi line.

If you want to do some off-the-beaten-path exploration, the cost of a private driver in Greece is typically $200-400 per day. On some of the islands, you can also rent an ATV to explore, but locals strongly advise against ATVs as they see many fatal accidents each year. On our trip, we just took taxis, a hotel shuttle, or booked private tours that helped us explore more of the islands.

For budgeting purposes, let’s assume three ferry services at $90 per person per ride, plus one day of a private driver service or day trip at $200, and an additional $200 for public transport and taxi fares. For a two-week trip, this is actually quite affordable. Opting to stay in the center of walkable cities and full-service beach resorts is key to this cost savings.

Total Car Rental/Transportation Cost: $940

Food Costs in Greece

If you’re suffering from sticker shock after reading about the cost of flights and accommodations, you’ll be pleased to learn that Greece is one of the more affordable European countries as far as food and dining out. First, breakfast is included at most hotels and resorts (but do confirm that before booking.) If not, expect to pay less than $5 per person for coffee and a pastry at a cafe each morning.

The key to saving money on Greek food is to eat at local establishments (and you probably came for the fresh seafood and local food anyway) or try some street food. A large lunch at a taverna is usually $10-15 per person, or you can just grab fast food sandwiches or a light bite and feta cheese from bakeries or cafes to enjoy a picnic on the beach or between sightseeing adventures.

A hearty sandwich or cheap gyros will be less than $5 from local shops or stands. For dinner, expect to only pay about $15-20 per person for a multi-course dinner at local restaurants. Of course, this all goes out the window if you are dining at a luxury hotel or trying a degustation menu (in Santorini an experience like that with wine pairing can run you $500+ for two!)

A few budget busters in Greece, however, are cocktails or imported wine. Best to stick to beer or house wine if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on drinks.

We assumed couples would spend per day on $20 lunch and $40 per day on dinner, but again, you could easily spend less if you didn’t sit down for a full-service meal for both each day. I’ve also budgeted for one fine dining dinner at an additional $100.

Total Food Cost: $820

Tours and Activities Costs in Greece

Another cost-saving perk of a trip to Greece is that much of what you came to see is free, like a day spent enjoying one of the spectacular beaches or wandering the beautiful side streets and alleys of Santorini. That said, you’ll definitely want to budget for a few memorable activities.

A tour of Athens is a must, in my opinion, especially for history buffs. These can be chosen to match your interests or needs, like a general walking tour as a way of getting oriented on your first day, or to dig deep and learn more about important archaeological sites like the Acropolis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or even just a food tour . Prices for a half-day tour in Athens are around $97 per person.

An Athens sightseeing pass while in Athens might also make sense if you want to visit attractions like the Acropolis Museum, as most of the landmark historical sites do charge admission. A pass usually results in cost savings for those who plan to see several of the included sites. The price is around $40 per adult.

A sunset cruise while in Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete is usually a highlight for visitors to Greece as well. Done as a small group, it’s usually around $200 for a couple, which sometimes includes a meal or drinks. Done privately, expect to pay around $500-1,000 or more.

Also on Crete, many visitors enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos or perhaps olive oil tasting. Again, expect to pay $200-300 for a small group experience or $500+ for a private excursion. There are also some food tours or wine tours on Santorini and Naxos that can make for a fun afternoon. We did a half-day wine-tasting tour in Santorini for around $350 and a full-day food, wine, and island tour on Naxos for closer to $800.

For this Greece trip budget, I estimated $1,000, based on three tours or excursions.

Total Activity Cost: $1,000

Total Greece Trip Budget

Given these parameters, a total Greece vacation budget when visiting Greece in the summer for a total of 12 nights for two adults would be $9,710 . However, if you can find a way to use miles or points for airfare or hotels, a trip to Greece can actually be pretty inexpensive.

If spending nearly $10,000 on a two-week trip is beyond your reach, just know that there are more affordable ways to visit Greece. If you have the flexibility to travel from April through June, for example, you may find flight prices and accommodation costs to be significantly less (and even better, fewer crowds!)

Also, choosing home rentals through online booking sites is often half the cost of a hotel stay, especially if you are willing to forego amenities like a pool. Or, opt to visit less popular islands or locations, instead of pricey destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.

Don’t forget to also budget for travel insurance for a trip to Greece!

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This Tiny Greek Island Has the Clearest Water in the World

Go ahead, take a dip.

Constantinos-Iliopoulos/Getty Images

More than 32 million people traveled to Greece in 2023, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. There's a lot to love about Greece , including its fantastic history, art, food, and culture. However, there's one other big reason people seem to fall in love with vacationing in the Mediterranean nation — its crystal clear and utterly inviting waters. In fact, there's one beach in Greece that's home to the clearest water in the world.

In late 2023, Florida Panhandle released its list of beaches with the clearest water in the world. To come to its conclusion, it started by creating a seed list of 50 beaches across the globe that ranked the highest on traveler review websites. It then calculated each beach's score based on the percentage of reviews that mention "clear water." In total, the team analyzed more than 2.4 million reviews to find its winners.

According to the data, Prassa Beach in Kimolos, Greece, has the clearest water in the world.

"Stretching on for [8,497 miles], the Greek coastline is the longest in the Mediterranean Basin, a sea famous for its crystal-clear waters and rich blue hue," the team shared in the findings. It's no wonder, then, that the majority of the world's top beaches for clear water are located in Greece, led by Prassa Beach on the island of Kimolos, for which 43.56% of publicly available traveler reviews mention the phrase 'clear water.'"

Kimolos is also right next door to another Travel + Leisure favorite, the island of Milos, which has made several appearances on the World's Best Awards and is often lauded as the most photogenic place in Greece , making it little surprise that its neighboring island has some picture-perfect beauty too.

Joining Prassa Beach on the list of clearest waters in the world is another Greek beach, Gennadi Beach on the island of Rhodes in second, followed by Pileh Bay in Thailand, Agios Dimitrios Beach on the mainland in Greece, and Agia Anna Beach on the Greek Island of Naxos rounding out the top five. So, as you can see, if it's clear water you're after, Greece is the place to go. And you'll certainly be in good company while you're there.

See the full list at floridapanhandle.com .

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COMMENTS

Planning a trip to Greece
We have a number of suggested itineraries for Greece but as a general rule of thumb would say you need the following minimums ; Greece - 4 days. And you will likely only see Athens and a day trip somewhere else. Greek Islands - 5 days, which will give you 2 islands. Athens and islands - 7 days. Crete - 7 days. Ideal minimum - 2 weeks.
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How to get around Greece. Day 2: sail the Aegean to Mykonos. Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos. One of Europe's fabled party destinations (St Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. Explore the maze of covered lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes in the old town ...
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Greece Travel Itinerary Budget Greece Itinerary: Plaka, Athens. Beautiful Greece is generally a very affordable country to travel in. However, establishing an appropriate budget for your trip depends on where you are travelling to. For example, Santorini and Mykonos are quite pricey. Conversely, Athens and mainland Greece typically do not break ...
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5. Book everything in advance during peak season. In peak season, prices are high, and demand for car hire, accommodations and ferry tickets is even higher - this is not the time for ad hoc bookings on the fly. Greece is an incredibly popular summer destination, and the best options get snapped up well in advance. 6.
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Planning Your Trip. Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall are the best times to visit when there are fewer tourists but the sea is still warm and the weather fine for outdoor activities. Language: Greek . English is spoken in the cities and areas popular with visitors. Currency: Euro (€) .
GREECE ITINERARY
A few days in Athens; a day trip to Nafplio, Delphi, or the Meteora; and a few nights on 2 or 3 Greek islands. Itinerary for Greece & Greek Islands. Greece › Itineraries Updated: March 12, 2024 By Santorini Dave. ... Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and ...
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Planning a trip to Greece will never be easier! Psst - many people head straight to the islands when visiting Greece, but I highly recommend venturing a bit north to Delphi and Meteora. Yes, while the islands are downright stunning, seeing other parts of the country are valuable as well. Variety is the spice of life, especially on a trip to ...
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Below are some ideas to consider when planning a trip to Greece. Athens: Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket. Santorini: Luxury Small Group Catamaran w/ Meal & Open Bar. Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket. Milos Highlights: Full Day Sailing Cruise in a Small Group.
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Step 1: Check to See if You Need a Visa. Greece is part of the Schengen Zone, so passport holders from many countries can visit visa-free. Greece is one of the two Balkan countries that are part of the Schengen Zone, the block of twenty-six European countries that use a common visa system. Passport holders from Schengen Zone member countries do ...
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A long weekend in Greece. For a long weekend in Greece, we recommend staying in one place. Choose between spending 2 to 3 nights in Athens, or basing yourself on one of the larger Greek islands such as Corfu or Rhodes. You could always do a day trip or half-day trip to one of the nearby islands.
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When planning a trip to Greece, you will find that the country has a plethora of accommodation options for every taste, travel style and budget. Backpacker hostels are available for as little as €10-€15 a night in major destinations, while large cities and popular islands have luxury hotel rooms available for around €100-€150 a night ...
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5. Epiros. In Greece's west lies Epiros, a remote region of soaring mountain peaks, fast-flowing rivers and hidden rock canyons. Hike to the alpine heights of Mt Tymfi's Dragon Lake, which freezes over in winter, or traverse the thick forests, inclines and descents of spectacular Vikos Gorge.
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Itinerary #5: Mainland Greece Road Trip. Start your engine and hit the road for a unique tour of Greece's mainland! This epic road trip winds you from Athens to amazing sites like the seaside town of Nafplio, the ancient ruins of Mycenea, and Delphi. The seat of the oracle of Apollo in Delphi. Day.
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Plan Your Trip To Greece With Triptile™. 10 days or less. 11 - 12 days. 13 days or more. Experience the wonders of Greece firsthand! Uncover the secrets of ancient ruins, mythical landmarks, and savor authentic Greek cuisine. Embark on our top-rated tours, led by seasoned guides, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Greek culture.
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Start planning your trip today with our Greece Trip Planner. Athens. Considered the birthplace of Western Civilization, Athens' 3,500 year history is alive today in politics, culture, and philosophy. Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is both cosmopolitan and comfortable. Its modern culture merges well with its Roman and Byzantine history.
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