Greece, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, can be explored in just ten days without feeling rushed. This itinerary covers must-see islands and cities, ensuring you experience everything from ancient ruins to gorgeous beaches.
Touch down at Athens International Airport (ATH) and take the metro line 3 to Syntagma Square, costing €10 ($10.50) for a one-way ticket. Check into a central hotel like Hotel Grande Bretagne, where you’ll enjoy luxury and breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Spend your afternoon wandering through the historic Plaka neighborhood, filled with charming shops and authentic tavernas.
Make sure you visit the Acropolis Museum, located at Dionysiou Areopagitou 15. Entry costs €10 ($10.50) and is free on Sundays. Dinner at O thanasis, located at 69 Monastiraki Square, is a must; try the famous souvlaki for around €10 ($10.50). Afterward, unwind at a rooftop bar like A for Athens with stunning views over the Acropolis.
Take a morning flight from Athens to Santorini via Aegean Airlines, costing around €70 ($74) if booked in advance. Check into the stunning Caldera View Hotel in Fira, where rooms start at €150 ($158) per night. Spend your first day exploring the winding streets of Oia, famous for its sunset views. Don’t miss the sunset at Oia Castle—arrive early to secure a good spot.
On Day 3, indulge in a wine tasting tour at the Santo Wines Winery. A tour costs around €20 ($21) and includes tastings of several local varieties. Spend your afternoon soaking in the sun at the Red Beach—accessible via a short hike from Akrotiri. Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern in Oia is a great choice; enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the harbor with mains starting at €20 ($21). Don't forget to try the local white wine, Assyrtiko.
Catch a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, which lasts approximately two hours and costs around €40 ($42). Stay at the luxurious Mykonos Blu Grecotel Exclusive Resort for about €200 ($211) per night. Day 4 can be spent at the iconic Psarou Beach, known for its clear waters and upscale beach clubs. Rent a sunbed for €30 ($32) and enjoy a leisurely day.
On Day 5, take a day trip to Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A round trip ferry from Mykonos costs about €20 ($21) and allows you to explore the well-preserved ruins. Return to Mykonos for dinner at Kiki’s Tavern, where you can indulge in a delicious meal for around €15 ($16). End your night at JackieO’ Beach Club, known for its vibrant nightlife.
From Mykonos, take a ferry to Heraklion, Crete, which takes about three hours and costs €50 ($53). Check into the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion, where prices start at €120 ($126) per night. Spend Day 6 visiting the Palace of Knossos, just a short bus ride away. Entry tickets cost €15 ($16). Explore the ruins of this Minoan civilization and learn about its fascinating history. In the evening, sample Cretan dishes at Peskesi, where a hearty meal will set you back around €20 ($21).
On Day 7, head to Elafonissi Beach, famous for its pink sand. Rent a car for around €40 ($42) for the day to navigate the island efficiently. The beach is a two-hour drive from Heraklion, but the stunning views are worth it. Pack a picnic or grab lunch at a nearby taverna, enjoying the sun before returning to Heraklion for a nightcap at Koo Café.
On Day 8, fly back to Athens (about €70 or $74). Check back into the Hotel Grande Bretagne for the last two nights. Spend the day exploring the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, where entry is €8 ($8.50). Make sure to take some time for last-minute shopping in Monastiraki, where you can find unique souvenirs and great bargains.
On Day 9, consider a day trip to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the KTEL bus from Athens at 8 AM, costing around €30 ($32) round trip. Tour the ancient ruins and the museum, with combined entry fees of €12 ($12.50). Return to Athens for your final dinner at Strofi, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine with terrace views of the Acropolis. Enjoy a last night drink at the rooftop bar, enjoying the twinkling city.
On your final day, take a morning stroll around the National Garden, then head to the airport for your departure. The metro from the city center costs €10 ($10.50) and directly connects to the airport.
To make your trip seamless, keep these tips in mind.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acropolis Museum Entry | €10 ($10.50) | Free on Sundays |
| Souvlaki at O thanasis | €10 ($10.50) | A must-try local dish |
| Aegean Airlines Flight | €70 ($74) | From Athens to Santorini |
| Santo Wines Tour | €20 ($21) | Includes wine tastings |
| Elafonissi Beach Car Rental | €40 ($42) | For a full day |
| Delos Round Trip Ferry | €20 ($21) | From Mykonos to Delos |
| KTEL Bus to Delphi | €30 ($32) | Round trip from Athens |
Use this rough planner to sanity-check the total trip cost before you lock flights, hotels or activities.
The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). During these months, you’ll experience pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Yes, Greece has an efficient transportation system. Domestic flights, ferries, and buses connect major locations. Ferries between islands are frequent and well-timed, while buses (KTEL) offer easy access to mainland attractions like Delphi and the Peloponnese.
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