If you’re planning a trip to Greece, this Greece itinerary guide is just what you need. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Greece offers something for every traveler.
Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, or enjoy delicious Greek cuisine, our guide will help you make the most of your visit. From the iconic sights of Athens to the picturesque islands of Santorini and Mykonos, we’ve got you covered.
This itinerary is designed to show you the top spots and hidden gems of Greece, ensuring a memorable trip. Ready to dive into Greek adventure? Let’s get started!
3-Day Greece Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Start your adventure in Athens. First, visit the Acropolis, where you’ll see the Parthenon and other ancient ruins. The views from here are amazing, so take your time and enjoy them. After exploring the Acropolis, head to the Acropolis Museum. It’s full of artifacts and helps you understand the history of the area.
In the afternoon, wander around Plaka, the old neighborhood of Athens. The narrow streets are full of shops and cozy tavernas. You can also visit the Roman Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus nearby. For dinner, try a local restaurant and taste some Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki.
Day 2: Delphi
On your second day, take a trip to Delphi. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. Delphi was a very important place in ancient Greek times. Start with the Temple of Apollo, where the famous Oracle used to speak. Walk around the ancient theater and the stadium, then check out the Delphi Archaeological Museum. It has many interesting artifacts from the site.
When you’re done exploring, head back to Athens. If you have time, enjoy dinner in Monastiraki or Psiri, which are lively areas with lots of good food and fun atmosphere.
Day 3: Santorini
Fly or take a ferry to Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands. Begin your visit in Oia. It’s known for its stunning sunsets and beautiful white buildings with blue domes. Spend your morning strolling through the streets, shopping for local crafts, and taking in the incredible views.
In the afternoon, head to one of Santorini’s black sand beaches, like Kamari or Perissa. Relax on the unique sands or enjoy some water sports. As the day winds down, go back to Oia for the sunset. It’s a magical experience, and dinner at a seaside restaurant will be the perfect end to your day.
Summarized Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Athens | Visit the Acropolis, see the Parthenon, explore the Acropolis Museum, wander around Plaka, and have dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 2: Delphi | Travel to Delphi, explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, Delphi Museum, and return to Athens for dinner. |
| Day 3: Santorini | Fly or ferry to Santorini, explore Oia, relax at a black sand beach, and enjoy the sunset and dinner in Oia. |
5-Day Greece Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Start in Athens. Visit the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon, then head to the Acropolis Museum to see more about the history. In the afternoon, make sure to visit the National Archaeological Museum. It has a lot of important Greek artifacts. For dinner, check out Monastiraki. It’s a great place to try local food and experience Athens’ nightlife.
Day 2: Athens to Delphi
Travel to Delphi today. Spend your day exploring the ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the theater. Don’t miss the Delphi Archaeological Museum—it’s full of fascinating finds. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains. Return to Athens in the evening and relax.
Day 3: Athens to Santorini
Fly or take a ferry to Santorini. Start your day in Fira, the island’s main town. Explore its shops and cafes, and visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera. In the afternoon, enjoy the beach at Kamari or Perissa. Head to Oia in the evening for the sunset. It’s a fantastic view, and dining there is a great experience.
Day 4: Santorini
Today, discover more of Santorini. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a preserved ancient city. Then, head to Pyrgos, a traditional village with great views. In the afternoon, go on a wine tour to taste Santorini’s famous wines. Return to Oia for another sunset and a delicious dinner.
Day 5: Santorini to Mykonos
Travel to Mykonos today. Explore Mykonos Town, known for its beautiful windmills and the Little Venice area. Spend your afternoon relaxing on a popular beach like Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach. Enjoy a beachfront dinner and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Summarized Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Athens | Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and National Archaeological Museum, and enjoy dinner in Monastiraki. |
| Day 2: Athens to Delphi | Travel to Delphi, explore the Temple of Apollo, theater, and Delphi Museum, then return to Athens. |
| Day 3: Athens to Santorini | Fly or ferry to Santorini, explore Fira, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, and relax on a beach. |
| Day 4: Santorini | Visit Akrotiri, explore Pyrgos, go on a wine tour, and enjoy another sunset and dinner in Oia. |
| Day 5: Santorini to Mykonos | Travel to Mykonos, explore Mykonos Town, relax on a beach, and enjoy dinner by the sea. |
7-Day Greece Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Start your trip in Athens. Visit the Acropolis and see the Parthenon and other ancient sites. Spend some time at the Acropolis Museum for more history. In the afternoon, check out the National Archaeological Museum. For dinner, head to Monastiraki and enjoy the local food and nightlife.
Day 2: Athens to Delphi
Travel to Delphi. Visit the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit. Enjoy a scenic drive in the mountains before returning to Athens for the night.
Day 3: Athens to Santorini
Fly or take a ferry to Santorini. Start in Fira with its shops and cafes. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Relax on Kamari or Perissa beach in the afternoon. Go to Oia in the evening for the sunset and a nice dinner.
Day 4: Santorini
Explore Santorini today. Visit Akrotiri, an ancient city, and Pyrgos, a charming village. In the afternoon, go on a wine tour and taste the local varieties. Return to Oia for another sunset and dinner.
Day 5: Santorini to Mykonos
Travel to Mykonos. Explore Mykonos Town, with its windmills and Little Venice. Spend your afternoon on a beach like Paradise Beach. Enjoy dinner by the sea and the island’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 6: Mykonos to Naxos
Take a ferry to Naxos. Visit the Portara, the huge marble gate of the Temple of Apollo. Walk around Naxos Town and enjoy its shops and restaurants. Relax on Agios Prokopios Beach or Plaka Beach in the afternoon. Have dinner at a local taverna.
Day 7: Naxos
On your last day, explore more of Naxos. Visit the Temple of Demeter and the village of Apiranthos. Spend some final moments on the beaches. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and think about all the amazing places you’ve visited.
Summarized Itinerary
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Athens | Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and National Archaeological Museum, and have dinner in Monastiraki. |
| Day 2: Athens to Delphi | Travel to Delphi, explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and Delphi Museum, then return to Athens. |
| Day 3: Athens to Santorini | Fly or ferry to Santorini, explore Fira, visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, and relax on a beach. |
| Day 4: Santorini | Visit Akrotiri, explore Pyrgos, go on a wine tour, and enjoy another sunset and dinner in Oia. |
| Day 5: Santorini to Mykonos | Travel to Mykonos, explore Mykonos Town, relax on a beach, and enjoy dinner by the sea. |
| Day 6: Mykonos to Naxos | Take a ferry to Naxos, visit the Portara, explore Naxos Town, and relax on a beach. |
| Day 7: Naxos | Explore the Temple of Demeter, visit Apiranthos village, and enjoy some final beach time and a farewell dinner. |
Practical Tips for Visiting Greece
Traveling to Greece can be a fantastic experience, and a few practical tips can help make your trip even better. First, Greece uses the Euro (€), so make sure to have some cash or access to an ATM. While many places accept credit cards, having cash is handy for small purchases or tips.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, so pack light clothes for hot summers and some warmer layers if you visit in the winter. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Greece is known for its relaxed pace, so take your time and enjoy each moment. Learning a few basic Greek words, like “Kaliméra” for good morning or “Efcharistó” for thank you, can make a big difference. Even though many people speak English, it’s always nice to use a bit of the local language.
Tipping is common in Greece, but it doesn’t need to be much. Leaving a small tip, around 5-10%, is usually enough. In taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Always stay hydrated, and remember to take breaks, especially during the hot summer days. Enjoy your trip and the beautiful country!
Also read: Explore Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf & BBQ Lunch
Greece’s Culture and History
Greece has an amazing culture and history that stretches back thousands of years. It’s often called the cradle of Western civilization because of its huge influence on politics, philosophy, and the arts. Ancient Greece was made up of city-states, each with its own customs, but they all shared similar gods and traditions.
Think of the great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their ideas have shaped how we think today. Greek mythology is also a big part of the culture, with stories about gods, goddesses, and heroes that have inspired art and literature for centuries.
Today, Greece mixes its ancient past with a lively present. Festivals, music, and dance are a big part of Greek life. Local traditions vary, but they all reflect the rich heritage of the country. Understanding Greece’s history and culture will make your visit even more interesting and enjoyable.
Food and Restaurants in Greece
Greek food is something you don’t want to miss. It’s all about fresh, tasty ingredients. Olive oil, herbs, and veggies are key parts of Greek cooking. You should definitely try classic dishes like moussaka, which is a delicious layered casserole, or souvlaki, which is grilled meat served with pita bread and tzatziki.
Eating in Greece is more than just having a meal; it’s about enjoying time with friends and family. Try some meze, which are small dishes like hummus, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and spanakopita (spinach pie). They’re perfect for sharing.
Seafood is also a big deal in Greece. Fresh fish and seafood, like calamari and octopus, are popular and tasty. On islands like Santorini and Mykonos, you’ll find some of the best seafood around.
For dessert, Greek sweets are a real treat. Baklava, with its layers of phyllo dough and nuts, and loukoum, a type of Turkish delight, are favorites. Pair these with Greek coffee or a sweet wine like Retsina. Enjoying Greek food is a big part of the travel experience, so take your time and savor every bite.
Transportation in Greece
Getting around Greece is pretty easy, thanks to a good transportation system. In Athens, you have buses, trams, and the Metro. The Metro is especially handy as it connects to the airport and major spots around the city.
For travel between cities, buses run by KTEL are a great option. They cover many routes across the mainland and to different islands. If you’re heading to the islands, ferries are your best bet. They’re frequent and reliable, but booking ahead is a smart move, especially in the busy season.
Renting a car is a good choice if you want to explore off the beaten path. However, driving in cities can be tricky due to traffic and narrow roads. Make sure you’re comfortable with local driving rules.
Taxis are common and can be useful for short trips. They usually have meters, but it’s good to confirm the fare before you start. Overall, Greece has various ways to get around, so you can choose what works best for your travel plans.
Conclusion
Greece is a country full of amazing sights, rich history, and delicious food. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins in Athens, relaxing on the beaches of Santorini, or enjoying the lively vibe of Mykonos, you’re in for a great time. Use this Greece itinerary guide to help plan your trip and make the most of every moment. Have a wonderful journey and enjoy everything Greece has to offer!
FAQ
What are the top attractions to see in Greece?
In Greece, top attractions include the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient city of Delphi, the stunning sunsets in Santorini, and the lively streets of Mykonos.
How can I get around Greece?
You can get around Greece by using public transportation like buses, trams, and the Metro in cities. Ferries connect the islands, and renting a car is a good option for exploring more remote areas.
What is the best time to visit Greece?
The best time to visit Greece is from late spring to early autumn, from May to October, when the weather is warm and ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.
What should I pack for a trip to Greece?
Pack light clothing for hot weather, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. If traveling in winter, include warmer layers as temperatures can be cooler.
What are some must-try Greek dishes?
Must-try Greek dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, spanakopita, and baklava. Greek cuisine is rich in flavors and fresh ingredients.
Is it easy to find English speakers in Greece?
Yes, many people in Greece, especially in tourist areas, speak English. However, learning a few basic Greek phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
Visitors from many countries can enter Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. Check with your local embassy or consulate for specific visa requirements based on your nationality.
How can I use public transportation in Athens?
In Athens, you can use buses, trams, and the Metro. Tickets can be purchased at stations or kiosks, and they are valid for all public transport within the city.
What are some cultural customs to be aware of in Greece?
Respect local customs by being polite, dressing modestly when visiting religious sites, and tipping small amounts in restaurants and taxis.
What are the top islands to visit in Greece?
Top Greek islands to visit include Santorini for its stunning views, Mykonos for its nightlife, and Naxos for its beaches and historical sites.
Things to do in Greece
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Indulge to the beauty of Greece with the 4 days Classical Greece private tour – $2,943.92 This 4-day private tour covers Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora. Highlights include picturesque countryside drives, visits to significant historical sites, and the largest bridge in Europe. Customize your tour to fit your preferences. |
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Greece cultural tour 12 days from Athens; Greece mainland UNESCO places – $3,846.40 This 12-day tour focuses on Greece’s UNESCO sites and cultural history. Visit 6 UNESCO-listed locations and other notable sites. Perfect for history enthusiasts wanting to explore Greece’s ancient roots. |
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7-Day Classical Greece Private Tour with Flexible Options – $3,412.70 This 7-day tour explores 8 world heritage sites, including Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Delphi. Enjoy comfortable transportation with WiFi and options for traditional Greek lunch and expert guides. |
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4-Day Classical Greece Private Tour with Flexible Options – $1,867.15 This 4-day tour covers key sites like Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi. Choose from various packages to enhance your experience, including lunch and expert guides. |
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A 5-day amazing tour of the footsteps of ancient Greece & Meteora – $2,226.81 This personalized 5-day tour takes you to major historical sites like Athens, Corinth, Epidauvrus, Olympia, Delphi, and Meteora. Experience Greece’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. |
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Isabella Ramirez is a Colombian writer with a decade of freelance experience, infusing her work with the vibrant spirit of Bogotá where she was born and raised. Alongside her passion for writing, she finds solace in the company of dogs and draws inspiration from her travels around the globe. Isabella’s versatile portfolio reflects her diverse interests and curiosity about the world, with each piece reflecting her unique perspective and love for storytelling.
