One Week in Greece Itinerary
In Greece, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s enjoying picturesque cities and towns, admiring the ancient ruins dotting its sunny landscapes, or indulging in rest and relaxation on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Athens to Santorini, here’s what to do if you have one week to spend in Greece.
Day 1
Start your trip in Athens, making sure to visit the iconic Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Afterward, wander the pretty neighborhoods surrounding the hilltop site, including Plaka, Monastiraki, and Anafiotika, all within walking distance of one another, and sample the city’s modern Greek cuisine.
Day 2
Wake up early for a day trip to Delphi. Wind your way through the ancient site, the centerpiece of which is the Temple of Apollo. Make sure to stop by the Delphi Archaeological Museum and have lunch at To Patriko Mas before returning to Athens in time for dinner and drinks.
Day 3
From Athens, drive west to the Peloponnese. Stop in Ancient Mycenae for 1-2 hours on the way to Nafplio. If it’s a weekend night in summer, see if you can catch a play in the nearby Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. If not, stay in Nafplio to have dinner and drinks in one of the most romantic cities in Greece.
Day 4
Wake up in Nafplio and explore the Old Town and Palamidi Fortress before making the drive back to Athens.
Day 5
Take the early morning ferry to Mykonos. Make the short trip to Delos, explore the ancient ruins and mosaics, then head back to one of the many beaches on the island, like Platys Gialos or Paradise. Party at the famous Mykonos beach bars.
Day 6
Take the ferry to Santorini, and don’t miss the view as you approach the island. Head to Pyrgos, a beautiful but less visited town. Take in the famous Santorini sunset from Kastelli, and finish off your night with dinner and drinks at one of the island’s famous wineries.
Day 7
Wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise in Oia. Catch a flight back to Athens, where you can hang out in some of the city’s central, yet less tourist-oriented neighborhoods, like Exarchia, Kolonaki, and Pangrati, before toasting your trip with drinks at one of the best cocktail bars in the world, The Clumsies.
Tips for spending one week in Greece
- This itinerary works best in July, when there are performances (weekends only) at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. September and June are also good months for fewer crowds and more tolerable temperatures, except there are no performances at the Epidaurus theater past August.
- Accommodations at popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini should be booked in advance, especially during the high-tourist months of July and August. The islands are small in size, meaning hotels tend to fill up quickly.
- Major sites like Delphi and Acropolis (plus its museum) should also be booked some time in advance, and if you want to see a play at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, book tickets well in advance.
- Since the Mediterranean sun can be quite hot and strong in the summer, make sure you have head coverings, apply sunscreen frequently, and carry water with you everywhere.
- Renting a car and booking ferry tickets in advance is always a good idea. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise all operate in Greece, and picking up a rental car at the airport is relatively easy. Sites like ferryscanner.com help with selecting and booking ferry tickets from many different companies at once.
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