Greek Highlights in 7 Days: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
A short but jam packed itinerary for an unforgettable trip through Greece. The history, the food, the culture and the beaches! All the Greek highlights in 7 days! Here is an itinerary designed to check all of your boxes!
Note: These islands in particular tend to be quite crowded with cruise ship tourists in July and August. With this in mind, this trip is best enjoyed in shoulder season (April-June and Sept-Oct) when it is a bit quieter. We also recommend taking early morning ferries between islands so you can get the most out of the day when you arrive.
Day 1: Athens
Acquaint yourself with the history and start exploring! Athens is one of the most historically rich cities in the world! It is a timeless blend of ancient history and vibrant culture, whose legacy continues to resonate throughout the world. A must-see destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of ancient Greece and experience the vibrant energy of a modern European capital.
Getting There
Flying in:
- Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is accessible through most major airports worldwide.
Transfer From the Airport:
- From the Airport you can access the city center quite easily via the Metro (Line 3) which will take you to the city centre (Syntagma Square) in 40 minutes and will cost €10 for a 90 min ticket.
- Alternatively an Uber Ride will take 30 min and cost €58.
- A cheaper alternative is a taxi for the same 30 min ride for only €42.
- The city bus which will be a minimum of 60 min, but will only cost €5.50
- If you have a large family, or are looking for a more comfortable ride, there are many options online for a private car for close to the same price as a taxi! Your driver will be waiting for you as you emerge out of the airport and will help with your bags and whisk you away to your accommodation hassle free.
Visit the National Archeological Museum
Two hours should be set aside to explore this museum, potentially longer if you really enjoy every last bit of history! Dive deep into the depths of classical civilization from the iconic mask of Agamemnon to intricate Minoan frescoes.
Each exhibit tells a story of ancient Greece’s artistic mastery and historical significance. Admission fee is €12 from April 1st-October 31st and €6 from November 1st-March 31st. See the National Archeological Museum‘s website for more ticket information and opening hours.
Explore the Plaka
Exploring the Plaka neighbourhood takes you into Athens vibrant culture and culinary delights! Wander through the labyrinth of streets adorned with neoclassical architecture, bustling with quaint shops, tavernas, and cafes, offering a taste of traditional Greek cuisine amidst a picturesque setting. Enjoy dinner at a lively taverna while savouring local delicacies like moussaka and souvlaki. The experience promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Greek hospitality and culture.
Day 2: Athens
Hike the Acropolis
Aim to start by 8am to avoid heat and crowds and plan for a minimum of two hours to tour the site. Skip the line tickets are recommended since this is the most popular tourist attraction in Athens. The Acropolis served as the religious civic center of Athens and housed magnificent temples dedicated to the gods, including the iconic Parthenon. The Acropolis continues to inspire awe and admiration and is a must see to really begin to understand Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
Visit the Acropolis Museum
This is a key complement to experiencing the Acropolis itself. We suggest visiting after seeing the Acropolis so that it all makes more sense, although an argument could be made to visit the museum first as well. Do what works best for you. Enrich your understanding of Greek culture through artifacts and sculptures excavated from the Acropolis and surrounding areas. Allow for a minimum of two hours to really take in this world class museum.
Visit the Temple of Zeus
Visiting the Temple of Zeus offers a profound connection to ancient Greek mythology. Marvel at the colossal ruins of this once majestic temple, dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus. Its hard to capture the height of these colossal columns unless you are standing right next to them. They are truly a marvel of Greek engineering!
Monastiraki Square
Walk, shop and eat in Monastiraki. Dive into its bustling markets, ancient landmarks, and eclectic dining scene. Explore the vibrant flea market before indulging in one of Monastiraki’s charming eateries. Perhaps consider dinner here before departing for Mykonos in the morning.
Day 3: Mykonos
Iconic Windmills, narrow cobblestone streets, gorgeous beaches and a lively atmosphere characterizes this Aegean Island. Mykonos has everything from luxury and extravagance to quaint churches and tranquil beaches. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Mykonos is the perfect blend of natural beauty, culture and excitement.
Getting There
Ferry
- Fast ferry: 2-3 hours
- Traditional ferry: 4-5 hours
- The port in Athens (Pireaus) is quite accessible from the city centre via the Metro, Taxi or Uber.
- Check www.ferryscanner.com to search schedules and prices
Flight
- 45 min direct flight from Athens
- Remember to factor travel to the airport and standing in security lines when determining which is the best option for you.
- Check www.skyscanner.com to search flight schedules and prices
Explore Mykonos Town (Chora)
The best way to explore Mykonos town (referred to as Chora) is on foot. Wander through the
narrow, whitewashed streets adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and discover hidden gems such
as boutique shops, art galleries, and traditional tavernas.
Windmills of Kato Mili
Take a leisurely stroll to the iconic Windmills of Kato Mili. These picturesque windmills overlooking the sea are one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mykonos and provide a perfect opportunity to capture a special photo!
Little Venice
This charming area of the island was once the commercial and maritime centre of Mykonos. Today, Little Venice has evolved into a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals seeking inspiration from its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The area is dotted with art galleries, cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Dinner in Chora
Indulge in fresh seafood or traditional Greek dishes in the lively Mykonos town. You decide how late to stay out!
Day 4: Mykonos
Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches of Mykonos. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise beach are a little more lively. If you are looking for a quieter beach check out Agios Ioannis Beach or Agios Sostis Beach for a more relaxed experience. Enjoy the sunset from Agios Ioannis Beach
Explore Ano Mera
Ano Mera is a traditional village located inland and is one of the oldest villages on the island. Explore the picturesque square and experience the authentic charm of rural Mykonos without hoards of tourists at your heels. A stop at the monastery of Panagia Tourliani is definitely worth a visit.
Day 5: Santorini
An island renowned for its stunning beauty and unique geological features. Postcard worthy white-washed buildings with vibrant blue domes line the rugged cliffs with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. At the heart of Santorini lies its caldera, a massive crater formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. The crater is now filled with crystal-clear water creating a spectacular backdrop for this island. Aside from its natural beauty, Santorini has something for everyone, from shops, to great food, adventure and relaxation.
Getting There
Ferry
Ferry is the main method of getting between Greek islands as there are no direct flights from Mykonos to Santorini. It would require you to connect through Athens.
The ferry between Mykonos and Santorini is 2 – 3.5 hours depending on the type of ferry. Be sure to find somewhere on the ferry to catch a view of the cliffs as you approach Santorini! This view will forever be ingrained in my mind as a top travel memory. Don’t miss it! Visit www.ferryscanner.com for schedules and rates.
A Note About Tourists
The towns of Thira and Oia have the most magnificent views of the caldera but are also going to be two of the busiest places to stay. Thira is very convenient as you can access the rest of the island from this central location and is also where the ferry makes port. But keep in mind that cruise ships come into Santorini every day and unload just below Thira.
Consequently, tourists make their way up by the thousands but tend to stay in Thira and Oia since these are the largest towns on the island. Midday in high season, the streets can be packed shoulder to shoulder with people.
For a quieter stay and to avoid the daily hoards of cruise ship goers, consider staying on the other side of the island near Perissa or Kamari beach. Akrotiri is another quieter area that boasts beautiful views of the caldera. Also consider visiting in April-May or September-October to avoid the worst crowds. Plan for some cooler nights in April and October.
Thira and Oia
Spend the afternoon wandering the narrows alleys of Thira and then make your way by bus or car to Oia to do the same. Note that parking in Oia is possible but in high season you may need to park outside of town and walk in. For the more adventurous, consider a 10km hike from Thira to Oia along the Caldera Rim for breathtaking views. While not a crazy difficult hike, it can be hot with a lot of up and downs so plan accordingly. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes! A Mythos or gelato will be well deserved at the end! Cap off the day with dinner in Oia for the best view of the sunset on the island! Arrive early as everyone flocks to Oia for the sunsets!
Day 6: Santorini
Perissa and Kamari Beaches
Venture across the island to the quaint village of Perissa. Spend the morning on the volcanic black sand beach followed by a lunch at one of the lovely tavernas lining the beach. Travelling to Perissa and Kamari can be achieved by bus from Thira, or venture out on a rental ATV allowing you for more stops and sight seeing along the way! These two beaches are separated by Mesa Vouno Mountain, home to the ancient archeological site of Thera.
Kamari Beach also offers some delightful tavernas to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Browse at one of the many beachside shops or simply grab some beach chairs and enjoy the Mediterranean sun! Flip flops are advisable on the black sand beaches as the sand can get very hot!
Visit Pyrgos
The village of Pyrgos is the highest point of the island and is considered somewhat of a hidden gem since it escapes the hoards of tourists that flock to Santorini by the thousands every day. Pyrgos is home to ancient ruins and medieval architecture, as well as blue domed churches and quaint little tavernas. It also boasts panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s iconic volcanic landscapes.
Dinner In Thira
After a day at the beach, travel back to Thira for dinner with a view. Make a reservation well in advance as the restaurants with caldera views will be fully booked for the summer months. After dinner enjoy exploring a quieter Thira as the majority of tourists will have returned to the cruise ships.
Day 7: Santorini
Hike the Volcano
Consider a morning Volcano tour on your last day in Santorini. Take a short sail to Nea Kameni to hike up to the crater of the volcano. The hike itself is around 2.5 km and is of moderate difficulty. There is quite a bit of incline and loose stones along the way. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water. From the top you can enjoy panoramic views of Santorini from a different perspective.
Most tours will then bring you to Palea Kameni, where you can swim in the volcanic hot springs. Make sure to wear dark coloured swim wear as the sulfur in the water could leave stains.
Visit Akrotiri
Often referred to as the “Greek Pompeii” this archeological site offers a look into ancient Minoan civilization. Akrotiri was covered in volcanic ash sometime in the 16th century BCE and excavation of this site is still being carried out today. It is a fantastic site and well worth a visit!
Red Beach
This unique beach is surely worth a visit if only to gaze at its stunning backdrop. It is located 20 min south of Fira and is best accessed by water taxi from Akrotiri Port as the trail to hike in has been recently closed due to falling rock.
Departing from Santorini
Depending on where you are returning to, Santorini’s airport flies to over 20 European Countries and 4 countries in the Middle East and Africa. Of course, there is always the option of leaving Santorini by ferry and travelling back to Athens. Or perhaps continue on to another Greek Island!