Planning a holiday to Greece is lots of fun but you can be overwhelmed by the information

overload out there especially when it comes to Itinerary planning. We recommended at least
2 weeks in Greece but if you have limited time and one week to spend then this Greece 7
day itinerary will help you work out where to go, how to get there and what to see and do in
each destination.

Contents hide
1 How to get to Greece
2 Day 1 Greece 7 day itinerary – Athens
3 Day 2 in Athens itinerary
4 Day 3 Itinerary in Greece
4.1 Where to stay in Athens
5 How to get around Athens
5.1 Transport in Athens city centre
6 Day 3 Greece 7 day itinerary continued – Paros
7 Day 4 – Paros
8 Day 5 – Paros
8.1 Paros Hotels, Apartments and Villas
8.2 How to get around Paros
9 Day 6 Greece 7 day itinerary – Santorini
10 Day 7 – Santorini itinerary cont…
10.1 Santorini hotels, Villas and more
10.2 How to get around Santorini

How to get to Greece

Most people arrive into Greece at one of the international airports, particularly Eleftherios
Venizelos Airport in Athens.

International Airport in Greece are in:

Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete ( Chania and Heraklion),
Kefalonia, Alexandroupoli ( East Macedonia), Kavala ( East Macedonia), Chios, Kos, Lesvos,
Samos, Paros, Zakynthos and Kalamata ( Peloponnese).

* some of these only take International flights during the tourist season

It is also possible to arrive by sea into the main port of Athens, Piraeus or any of the 228
inhabited islands and countless Mainland coastal towns.
Rail options are improving with the introduction of High-Speed trains internally in 2021 and
you can connect with inter-country trains into neighbouring Balkan countries.

Driving into Greece is also popular with border crossings in Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria and
even Turkey.

Further reading: How to travel to Athens

Day 1 Greece 7 day itinerary – Athens

The majority of people arrive in Athens at the beginning of their Greek Odyssey. It is a
fascinating city and one that deserves at least 3 days if you can do it.

Don’t be swayed by people who say there’s not much to do or see. Athens is full of incredible
archeological and historical sites and monuments, has some of the best Museums in the
world, and amazing food and nightlife scene and charming neighbourhoods and backstreets
to explore.

A lot of international visitors often start their holiday here and also end if with a night or
two to avoid missing international connections.

In this tight itinerary, we include 2 nights in Athens which will cover many of the highlights.

Arrive in Athens. Either use public transport or taxis to get to the historic centre or
book one of our favourite private drivers. Read more HERE.
Head to Syntagma Square, named after a military uprising in 1843. It is located right
in from of the Old Royal Palace which is home to the Greek Parliament since 1934
Watch the very unique changing of the Greek Presidential Guard, every hour on the
hour in from of Parliament
Visit the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier in from of Parliament while you are there
Head down Ormou Pedestrian Street, the main shopping street of Athens
Visit the small church of Kapnikarea, about halfway down
At Aelou Street it is no longer car-free. Turn left here onto Monastiraki Square which
is a major gathering place for Athens and home to many cafes and tavernas as well as
the Church of St Mary Pantanassa and the Tzisdarakis Mosque Museum of Greek Folk
Art
Head back to Syntagma Square via Mitroloplos Street and stop for lunch at one of the
many tavernas along here. This is one of Athens main dining streets and really comes
alive at night. We recommend Metropolis Barbeque on the other side of Mitropoleos
Square
Drop into the beautiful Metropolitan Church of Athens ( Cathedral) on the square
Adapt to ‘Greek Siesta’ in the late afternoon and head out to drinks and dinner from
10pm
 Day 2 in Athens itinerary
Head to the Acropolis bright and early before the crowds. Read our full Guide to the
Acropolis HERE.
Stroll along the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou which runs along the
southern perimeter of the Acropolis. Here you will find vendors selling arts and
souvenirs as well as exhibitions and events at different times of the year
Visit the Acropolis Museum. Again more details are found about this in our complete
Acropolis Guide
For lunch stop for a Yyros at Gyros Pour Gyrevis on Makrigianni Street on the western
 side of the Museum
Head onto Athanasiou Diakou which will take you to the park that houses the Temple
of Apollo, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Sanctuary of
Pan
Walk through the National Gardens which includes Zappeio Hall
In the evening have rooftop drinks at the famous Grande Bretagne Hotel before
heading to Psiri for dinner and nightlife. Don’t miss Little Klook Cafe which is quite
mad!

Further reading: Visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum

Day 3 Itinerary in Greece

 Spend the morning exploring other ancient sites in the Ancient Centre such as the
Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.
The flea market in Monastiraki is also worth a look if you haven’t already done it.
Explore Plaka, Athens prettiest neighbourhood and home to lots of gems such as
Clumsies Bar, Bretoos, The Old Tavern of Psara and the much photographed Anafiotika
Cafe.
Head to Pireaus port and on to the Greek Islands!

Where to stay in Athens

Luxury – The iconic Grande Bretagne has hosted politicians, movie stars and dignitaries
from all over the world since 1874. It is located right on Syntagma Square and the rooftop
bar has panoramic views of Parliament and the Acropolis and much of Athens

Mid-range: Ergon House is located on bustling Mitropolis Street which is parallel with
Ermou pedestrian street and very central. It was newly opened in 2019 and is part of the
famous Ergon House food emporiums. With a great rooftop bar and excellent Business
Centre and a huge food emporium on the ground floor, it is quite a unique offering in
Athens.

Budget: City Circus is located in trendy Psiri and is a modern take on hostels, with
excellent facilities and comfortable rooms including family rooms.

Further reading: The best Acropolis view hotels

 ERGON HOUSE

How to get around Athens

From the airport

Private Driver:

Have Terry and his team meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in
airconditioned, private luxury. He can also organise any day trips you might be interested in
too.

Book through this link and receive 10% off. This will still only be 2 Euro more than a Taxi!

Metro :

At exit gate 3 head across the Skybridge to the Metro Station. You can buy tickets from
machines or from a manned booth. Head to the Blue Line – Line 3. Fares are 6 euros one
way or 10 euro round trip with a discount for children and seniors. The journey to the city
centre takes about 45 minutes.

Bus:

Between exits 4 and 5 you will find the Bus Station. Catch X95 to the city centre and the
X97 to Piraeus Port. Fares cost 5 Euros with discounts for seniors and children. Buses run
24 hours a day and you can buy tickets at the station or onboard.

Taxi:

Outside Exit Gate 3 your will find many taxis. You will also find drivers soliciting for
business inside the terminal or you can meet your pre-arranged driver here. It should cost
around 35 Euro into the city centre during the day and 50 Euro at night. Make sure you
agree on a fare before you leave or insist that the meter is running.

Transport in Athens city centre

Most of the historical centre is flat and all the major sites are a short walk from each other.
There is a public tram that services the centre and goes down to the seaside suburbs and
the Metro is a great way to move around quickly as well.

A great way to see a lot of Athens, especially for first-timers, is on the Red Hop-on-Hop-off
bus.
Terry’s ‘ Taxi’
 Metro Ticket Machine

Day 3 Greece 7 day itinerary continued – Paros

Arrive in Parikia, Paros and transfer to your hotel. There is a great range of
accommodation in Paros for all budgets, which you can read about HERE
Get to know your local area – there is a lot to see and do or just soak it all up!
For dinner, we love To Distrato in Parikia followed by drinks and music at Sativa. In
Naoussa head to Yemeni followed by drinks at Agosta
Day 4 – Paros
Explore Parikia. Start at the Archaic Temple of Athena and the Frankish Castle
next door. Walk along pretty Lochagoi Georgio Gravari lane exploring the shops
and cafes, stopping for a Frappe at Cafe Symposium.
Visit The Church of Panagia Ekatontapliani also known as the Church of 100
doors and one of the most important religious sites in Greece.
Head towards to sea and the Ancient Cemetery on Stella Anargyroe. If time
permits it’s a 10-minute walk to your right to Livadia Beach for a swim OR catch the
small ferry over to Krios Beach.
For dinner in Parikia try Ouzeri Apostolis on the waterfront or To Morari back
near the town square.

Day 5 – Paros
Hire a car and head around the island. Visit the villages of Aliki, Drios, Piso Livadi
Lefkes and the beaches of Faragas, Golden Beach, Ampelas and Santa Maria.
Be sure to visit the beautiful Church of Agia Triada in Lefkas and stop at the dessert
shop “Sweet Smelling Kitchen” or Η πεζούλα της λιχουδιάς for a treat.
Stop for lunch at Mylos Traditional Grill in the village of Marpissa. They have some of
the best Yiros on the island and possibly anywhere and you can sit in the garden of the
neighbouring house end enjoy them with a cold beer.
Also on your travels, you might like to stop by the Marathi Quarries, famous for its
Parian marble made to produce icons such as the Venus Di Milo, and the Byzantine
Route from Lefkas which is an ancient hiking trail paved with marble.
End the day in Naoussa. First explore the Harbour and Venetian Castle as well as the
labyrinth of shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.
Have a night out at the many bars and tavernas in the port – Mario, Barbarossa and
Sigi Ikthios are all popular and great for people watching, including celebrities!
If time permits try and squeeze in a cruise to Antiparos or the Small Cyclades Islands.
This really will be one of the best days of your entire life!

Further reading: Things to do on Paros

 Paros Hotels, Apartments and Villas

Luxury – Calme Boutique Hotel. A stunning new luxury retreat designed by renowned
Alighizakis Architects Located above the quaint southern seaside town of Drios with
spectacular views and exceptional service and amenities. Described by many as ‘heaven on
earth”.

Mid-range – Paliomylos Spa Hotel. Located on the outskirts of Naoussa in a quiet but
convenient hillside position this hotel has well-appointed rooms with kitchenettes, including
family rooms and 2 bedrooms apartments. Great breakfasts, exceptional service and a lovely
pool and day spa too!

Budget – Irini Rooms. Charming, comfortable rooms located right next to the old town in
Naoussa. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms, some with 4 beds – great for families.

Best Villa for groups – Polos Villa

PALIOMYLOS HOTEL AND SPA
 POLOS PRIVATE VILLA

How to get around Paros

Bus: The cheapest and safest way to explore Paros is by bus. The main bus stations are in
Parikia and Naoussa and are open most days. During high season there are extra services
and the timetables are published weekly.

You do not have to purchase tickets in advance nor be at a designated bus stop but simply
wave a bus down if you see one. If you need to get to the airport you catch the X96 bus.

Fare range between 2 and 3 Euro and tickets can be purchased on board. See timetables
HERE

Taxi: Taxi’s are common around the Port but can be hard to find in other parts of the island.
Make sure the meter is on unless you want to hire one for several hours in which case agree
on an amount before you start.
It is not unusual for drivers to pick up other passengers on the islands so don’t be
alarmed if this happens.
During peak periods it can pay to book a taxi in advance which your hotel can organise
for you.

Water Taxis:
There are a few small boats that service some popular routes on the island, in particular
Parikia to Antiparos and Krios and Noussa to Kolombithres. These are former fishing
boats and lots of fun but usually won’t run on windy days if the sea is rough.

Car and Moped:

a car may be convenient if you’re staying in a more remote spot. Some people may
prefer a moped (if you have a motorcycle license) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for
traversing less-travelled routes. Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in
Parikia. You’ll need an international driver’s licence – read more about the HERE – and
check your insurance for Moped or ATV hire.
Day 6 Greece 7 day itinerary – Santorini

Time to catch the ferry to Santorini. Try and do this early to make the most of your day
there but not so early you miss breakfast. Greece wakes up around 10!

Transfer to your hotel in Santorini and soak it in. If you have chosen a place with a
Caldera view you may be quite content to do nothing for several hours but take in the
incredible spectacle before you
The Fira to Oia Hike ( or vice-versa) is best done as early as possible, before the heat
and the crowds. It is a moderately easy ‘hike’ and takes less than 4 hours or you can
halve this by doing Imerovigli to Oia instead. Wear good shoes and sunscreen and take
 plenty of water!
Enjoy lunch in Oia at Flora Comfort Cuisine which has 5-star food and views at bargain
prices
Explore Oia – the Byzantine Castle, Church of Panagia, Nikolaoua Nomikoua (Blue
Dome church) & numerous galleries & shops. Don’t miss Atlantis Books!
We also strongly suggest a Wine Tasting Tour. Santorini is world-famous for its wine
and they are quite unique and not to be missed
Take in the famed sunset from Oia or, better yet, book a sunset cruise on the Caldera.
A truly unforgettable experience!
If you decide against a sunset cruise then splurge on a special sunset dinner at Lauda,
Lycabettus or Petrosia restaurants
Other activities worth doing are horsebackriding on the beach and a bus tour of the
whole island

Day 7 – Santorini itinerary cont…

Still, want to see more? Head to Black Beach, White Beach or Red Beach ( if
open). Good swimming can be had at Kamari, Perivolos or Perissa Beaches with plenty
of sunbeds and facilities
Explore the ancient village and ruins of Akrotiri and the authentic villages of
Megachori and Pyrgos
Time fly or ferry home or on to more destinations!

Further reading: Things to do on Santorini

Santorini hotels, Villas and more

Luxury – Petit Palace is built into the Caldera with spectacular panoramic views. These
luxury suites epitomise contented Greek luxury rooms are elegantly furnished and
exquisitely crafted with high-end finishes and amenities. Most have private spa baths and
the hotel has a free shuttle bus

Mid-range – Armeni Village is in a great location right in the middle of Oia. The rooms are
private and very quiet and some can sleep families or 4 and more. Many rooms have a
terrace and panoramic views across the Caldera will some also have small swimming pools.
Budget – Chez Sophie is situated in a quiet part of Kamari on the eastern side of the island.
Clean, comfortable rooms with small kitchenettes and balconies, some with bunks for
families.

Best Villa for Groups – Canava Winery Villas or Santoxenia luxury Villa

Further reading: Where to stay on Santorini

PETIT PALACE
 SANTOXENIA LUXURY VILLA

How to get around Santorini

Bus: The Ktel transportation company operates buses all over the island. During peak travel
months most routes are served at least every hour though bus schedules are notorious for
changing frequently.

Fare range between 2 and 3 Euro and tickets can be purchased on board. See timetables
HERE

Taxi: Major routes, such as those from the ferry ports to Fira, from Oia to Fira, or travel to
certain towns from the airports have fixed rates. For these routes, expect to pay anywhere
between 10 euros to 20 euros ($11.19 to $22.37), depending on your final
destination.
Car and Moped: A car may be convenient if you’re staying in a more remote spot. Some
people may prefer a moped (if you have a motorcycle license) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
for traversing less-travelled routes.
Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira.

You’ll need an international

driver’s and check your insurance for Moped or ATV hire.

Don’t forget Travel Insurance!

It’s important to make sure you are covered for medical expenses ( some countries may
include this in health insurance) but also for lost baggage, flight and ferry delays and
cancellations, theft, and emergencies, including something that happens back home while
you are away.

This can save you tens of thousands of dollars, or even more.

COMPARE HERE

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