Greece Travel Guide: 7 Days and 14 Days of Island Hopping, Ancient Ruins, and the Best Food
Planning a Greece trip? This guide covers the must-see spots like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete—those top destinations everyone dreams about. Whether you’re squeezing it into a week or taking two, here’s your go-to Greece itinerary to hit all the big highlights (hello, Acropolis and beaches!).
7-Day Greece Itinerary
If you’ve got a week, this guide hits the big ones: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos! Get ready for iconic sunsets, ancient ruins, and all the souvlaki your heart desires.
Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Athens | Start at the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, then wander through the Plaka neighborhood. | Athens is walkable but bring comfy shoes—the Acropolis climb is no joke! |
Day 2 | Athens – National Archaeological Museum & Monastiraki | Visit the National Archaeological Museum and shop around Monastiraki square. | Try a traditional Greek coffee at a local cafe—you won’t regret it! |
Day 3 | Ferry to Mykonos – Island Life & Beach Time | Head to Mykonos and explore Little Venice and the windmills. Spend the afternoon at Ornos Beach. | Ferry time! Book early in summer; it’s the busiest season. |
Day 4 | Mykonos – Delos Day Trip & Beach Club Night | Take a day trip to Delos Island for ancient ruins, then return for a beach club night. | Delos is great for history fans, but it’s also just gorgeous to explore. |
Day 5 | Ferry to Santorini – Oia Sunsets & Village Vibes | Arrive in Santorini, head straight to Oia for that famous sunset and those blue-domed churches. | Reserve a sunset spot early in Oia—it’s popular for a reason! |
Day 6 | Santorini – Fira, Volcano Tour, and Black Sand Beach | Visit Fira, tour the volcano and hot springs, and relax on Perissa Beach (black sand!). | Bring a towel for Perissa Beach—the black sand gets super hot in summer! |
Day 7 | Return to Athens | Head back to Athens for a farewell dinner and some last-minute souvenir shopping. | Look for handmade goods in Plaka—great for unique, local finds! |
14-Day Greece Itinerary
With two weeks, you can explore Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini plus venture to Crete, Naxos, and Delphi for a taste of ancient ruins, beaches, and Greek island charm.
Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
---|---|---|---|
Days 1-3 | Athens and Day Trip to Delphi | Explore the Acropolis, Plaka, and National Archaeological Museum; take a day trip to Delphi. | Delphi’s ancient ruins are stunning against the mountains—super photogenic! |
Days 4-6 | Mykonos – Delos, Beach Clubs, and Village Strolls | Follow the Mykonos part of the 7-day itinerary but add a day for extra beach time or exploring Ano Mera. | Ano Mera is a hidden gem—quieter and a great spot for local eats. |
Days 7-10 | Santorini – Oia, Fira, Akrotiri & Boat Tour | Spend extra time visiting Akrotiri ruins, hike from Fira to Oia, and take a sunset cruise around the caldera. | Akrotiri is like Greece’s Pompeii—super cool if you love history. |
Days 11-12 | Naxos – Villages, Beaches, and Portara | Head to Naxos for relaxed vibes; check out Portara (Temple of Apollo) and explore villages like Apiranthos. | Naxos is great for chill beach days; it’s less crowded than Santorini. |
Days 13-14 | Crete – Chania & Knossos | Fly or ferry to Crete; explore Chania’s Venetian harbor, and tour the Palace of Knossos (Minoan ruins!). | Try bougatsa (pastry) in Chania—locals love it, and so will you! |
Greece Travel Tips
- Most-Searched Spots: Iconic spots like Santorini’s Oia sunset, Athens’ Acropolis, and Mykonos beaches are the must-sees, and booking ferries and entry tickets in advance is key, especially in high season!
- Greek Dining: Greeks eat late, so don’t be surprised if restaurants are quiet early. Try souvlaki, moussaka, and seafood.
- Island Hopping: Ferry rides are scenic but can be long; for the further islands like Crete, flights are much faster.
This guide covers all the top-searched Greece highlights—get ready for ruins, blue water, amazing sunsets, and laid-back island life!