Planning the perfect Greece itinerary can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help! From Athens island hopping, mainland Greece, ancient ruins, Santorini’s famous cliffs – you name it, you can see it in a fairly short amount of time. Here’s what to focus on:
Athens: 1 Day
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Start in Athens, Greece’s capital city, and take a day to explore it before starting your Greek island hopping. The birthplace of western civilization, the remarkable city is full of ancient ruins and historical sites sure to leave you awestruck.
Take a guided tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon and nearby sites, including Erechtheion, Propylaea, the Temple of Nike, Dionysus Sanctuary, Odeon of Herdoes Atticus and Ancient Agora. Wander the city’s narrow streets in search of awesome street art and graffiti. Ride bikes through Plaka and the National Gardens. In Plaka, you can also check out Hadrian’s’ Library, the Temple of Hephaestus. Plaka and Monastiraki both provide plenty of opportunities for people-watching, shopping and eating.
You’ll both need and want three days on Mykonos for the beaches alone. Certainly some of the world’s prettiest spot for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling – or partying! – the soft-sand beaches of Mykonos are legit. Perhaps the most popular is aptly named Paradise Beach, where you’ll find lively nightclubs. Paraga and Psarou are known for their beach parties and Elia, the longest white-sand beach on the island, is popular with families.
In the Little Venice neighborhood in Chora, you can shop, dine and snap scenic photos sure to blow up your Insta-feed. Overlooking the harbor, a litany of chic restaurants and bars, shops and nightclubs boast dreamy vantage points. Nearby, visit the 16 iconic Windmills high above Chora and Little Venice. Explore Hora (Mykonos Town), where narrow streets lined with bougainvillea lead to tiny churches, cafes, shops and the museums, including the Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum, both worth a stop. Tour the Byzantine-era Panagia Paraportiani, one of the approximately 365 churches on Mykonos. Take a hands-on cooking class, using produce from local farms, or visit an island vineyard for a wine tasting. Take a day trip to Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its archaeological finds – see the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Artemis, the Sacred Way and the Terrace of the Lions. Of course, don’t overlook the Aegean Sea – go beach hopping or take a private catamaran tour of secret coves far from the crowds. Go snorkeling, swimming or scuba diving in the startlingly blue waters.
Naxos: 3 Days
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos has plenty of beautiful beaches, whether you’re seeking quiet time in the sun or adrenaline-pumping water sports. This is the place for windsurfing and kitesurfing, whether you’re an expert or a newbie – check out Agios Prokopios, one of the best beaches in the Greek Islands, and in Europe for that matter. Out of the water, explore the ancient ruins like the temples of Apollo, Demeter and Dionysus. Check out the excellent Archaeological Museum and Geologic Museum. Visit Portara, the ruins of a portal to the Ionic temple of Apollo and one of the first things you’ll see as you approach the island by ferry. In Chora Naxos, one of the Greek islands’ most beautiful cities, you’ll find narrow streets, Venetian and Mycenaean-influenced architecture, traditional white houses, bars, restaurants and shops for all tastes. Visit the charming villages of Halki and Apiranthos. Dine of the fruits of this fertile island, from grapes and figs to citrus fruits and olives.
Classic Greek Isles, Santorini is yet another Cycladic jewel in the Aegean Sea. The island is characterized by its iconic towns, perched on cliffs above the sparkling sea – Fira, Oia and Imerovigli, in particular. Each town showcases dramatic views of the caldera, which was created after a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption. Start with the gorgeous two- to five-hour hike along the caldera path between Fira and Oia. Take a boat tour of the caldera, starting from Ammoudi Bay and possibly visiting Thirassia, as well as the Red and Black beaches. Visit ancient Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan Bronze-Age village abandoned before the eruption. In Pyrgos, the largest preserved village on Santorini, get a feel for the Greek villages of yesteryear with its main square, cute coffee shops and excellent local meze platters. The best way to explore Santorini is on foot, so sign up for a walking tour – there are wine tours, food tours and more. Hike the volcano – Nea Kameni – in the middle of the crater. Go swimming down the cliff from Oia, south of Ammoudi port – you can even swim out to the small island of Agios Nikolaos. Explore the stairways, narrow streets and paths of Imerovigli, Fir and Firostefani. Visit the Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia. And for a final historic visit, head to the ancient island capital of Thera atop the Messa Vouna mountain by hike or car. There are amazing Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine ruins to be found.