THE BEST GREECE ITINERARY

This guide is the perfect itinerary for 7 days in Greece as well as some
suggestions to expand to 10 days or more.
You can find more information on these and other destinations at

Greece Travel Secrets

 7 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
7 Days is just enough to get a taste for Greece. I warn you, you will be desperate for more! This
itinerary will allow you to explore the highlights of Athens and 2 islands with the ability to extend
to 10 or 14 days or more.

Athens

Arrive in Athens - read more about that here

Head to Syntagma Square which was named after a military uprising in 1843. It is
right in front of the Old Royal Palace which has been home to the Greek Parliament
since 1934.
Watch the very unique changing of the Greek Presidential Guard every hour on the
hour in front of Parliament
Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Parliament as well Head

down Ormou Pedestrain Street, the main shopping street of Athens Visit the

small church of Kapnikarea about half way down Ermou.

DA At Aelou Street it is no longer car free. Turn left here onto Monastiraki Square which
is a major gathering place for the city and home to many cafes and tavernas as well as
Y1 the Church of St Mary Pantanassa and the Tzisdarakis Mosque Museum of Greek Folk
Art

Walk back to Syntagma via Mitropelos Street. By this stage you may be wanting some
lunch and this is one of the main dining streets in the city. When you reach
Mitropoleos Square there is an excellent taverna on the other side called
Μπαρμπουνάκι Μητροπόλεως ( Metropolis Barbeque).

Drop into the beautiful Metropolitan Church of Athens on the square - the main
cathedral of Athens.

Head back to your hotel to rest before heading out for a rooftop dinner!
 7 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
7 Days in just enough to get a taste for Greece. I warn you, you will be desperate for more! This
itinerary will allow you to explore the highlights of Athens and 2 islands

ATHENS

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 on this is in our Acropolis Guide.
DA
For lunch stop for a YIros at Gyros Pou Gyrevis on Makrigianni Street on the western
Y2 side of the Museum

Turn left here onto Athanasiou Diakou which will take you to the park that houses the
Temple of Apollo, Hadrians Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient
Sanctuary of Pan.
Walk through the National Gardens which includes Zappeio Hall.

Have rooftop drinks at the famous Grande Bretagne Hotel before heading to Psiri for
dinner and nightlife. Don't miss Little Kook cafe which is quite mad!

DA Spend the morning exploring other ancient sites in the Ancient center such as
the Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus. If you didn't get to explore the flea market at
Y3 Monastiraki then now's the time.
Explore the Plaka, Athens prettiest neighborhood and home to lots of gems such as
Clumsies Bar, Brettos, The Old Tavern of Psara and much photographed Anafiotika
Cafe.
Time to head to Piraeus port or the airport and on to the islands!
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ATHENS
LUXURY - Grande Bretagne

The iconic Grande Bretagne has hosted

politicians,
Movie stars and dignitaries from all over the
world since 1874
Located right on Syntagma Square the
rooftop bar has panoramic views of
parliament and the Acropolis
Click here for prices and availability

MID RANGE - Ergon House

Located on Mitropolis Street, parallel with

Ermou, Ergon House was newly opened in
2019 and is part of the famous Ergon House
food emporiums.
The hotel has a great rooftop bar, an excellent
business center and a huge food emporium
and restaurant downstairs.

Click here for prices and availability

BUDGET - City Circus

Located in trendy and lively Psiri, City Circus

is a modern take on hostels with excellent
facilities and comfortable rooms including
family rooms
The area is quiet yet just meters away from
some of the best cafes and tavernas in
Athens. Child friendly too.

Click here for prices and availability

 HOW TO GET AROUND ATHENS
From the airport
Metro:
At exit gate 3 head across the Skybridge to the Metro Station. You can buy tickets from
machines or from a manned booth. You will need to head to the Blue Line - Line 3.
Fares are 6 euro one way or 10 euro round trip with a discount for children and seniors.
The journey to the center of Athens takes around 45 minutes.
Bus:
Between Exits gates 4 and 5 you will find the bus station. Catch X95 to the city center and the
X97 to Piraeus port. Fares cost 5 euros with discounts for children and seniors. Buses run 24
hours a day and you can buy tickets at the station or onboard.

Taxi:
Outside exit gate 3 you will find many taxis. You may also find the drivers soliciting for
business inside the terminal along with private drivers. It should 40 Euro into the city center,
or 55 euro at night). Makes sure you agree on a flat fee first or insist that the meter is
running.

Private Drivers: We use and recommend CATtaxi who can take care of all your transfers
and day trips in Athens. Even some great overnight tours too!

Around the city center

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

A great way to see sites easily is to use the red Hop on Hop Off bus.

Further reading:

Top things to do in Athens

Where to stay in Athens

Great Day Trips from Athens

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 7 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
PAROS

DA Fly or Ferry to Paros and transfer to your hotel. There is a great range of
Y3 accommodation in Paros for all budgets, which you can read about here.
Head out for dinner in your local town. Remember only tourists go out before 10!

In Parikia try to go to To Distrato for dinner following by drinks and music at

Sativa.
In Naoussa dine at Yemeni followed by drinks at Agosta

DA 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
Y4 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.
Have lunch at Roussos Grill on Stella Nikolaou street on the northern side of the
Church before moving onto the Paros Archaeological Museum.

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 Beacghrefoecreatrsawveilmseoror sc.caotmch|
the small ferry over to Krios Beach or hang out at Tango Mar.

For dinner in Parikia try Ouzeri Apostolis on the waterfront or To Morari back near the
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 7 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
PAROS

DA 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.
Y5
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 neighboring 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!

DA Time to catch the ferry to Santorini. Try and do this early to make the most of your
Y6 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!

Take in the sunset from Oia or, better yet, book a sunset cruise on the Caldera!
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PAROS
LUXURY - Calme Boutique Hotel

Stunning new luxury retreat designed by

renowned Alighizakis Architects.
Located above the quaint southern seaside
town of Drios with spectacular views
Exceptional service and amenities.
Described by many as 'heaven on earth"

Click here for p rices and availability

MID RANGE – Hotel Senia

Located in central Naoussa in a quiet but

convenient hillside position
Well-appointed rooms with kitchenettes,
including family rooms and 2 bedrooms
apartments
Great breakfasts, exceptional service and a
great pool with views of the bay

Click here for p rices and availability

BUDGET - Irini Rooms

Charming, comfortable rooms located

right next to the old town
Spacious, airconditioned rooms, some
with 4 beds - great for families.

Local hospitality at its best with local

recommendations & friendly service

Click here for p rices and availability

 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 prepurchase tickets nor be at a designated bus stop but can simply wave a
bus down if you see one! If you need to get to the airport, you can catch the X96 bus.
Fares 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-
traveled routes. Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira.
Read more about Driving in Greece, including what paperwork you might need.

Further reading:
Where to stay on Paros

Top things to do on Paros

A Complete Guide to Naoussa

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 7 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
SANTORINI

Wake early if you can and get some great photos of the island before the cruise ships
arrive.
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
DA plenty of water!
Y6 Explore Oia - the Byzantine Castle, Church of Panagia, Nikolaoua Nomikoua ( Blue
Dome church) & numerous galleries & shops. Don't miss Atlantis Books!

Enjoy lunch in Oia at Flora Comfort Cuisine which has 5-star food and views at bargain
prices.

Head back to your hotel to change and/or rest before joining an activity. We strongly
suggest a Wine Tasting Tour, a cooking class or Sailing on the Caldera

Splurge on a special sunset dinner at Lauda, Lycabettus or Petrosia restaurants

DA 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
Y7 plenty of sunbeds and facilities.
Explore the ancient village and ruins of Akrotiri and the authentic villages of
Megachori and Pyrgos.

Time to fly or ferry home or on to more destinations!

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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SANTORINI
LUXURY - Petit Palace

Built into the Caldera with spectacular

panoramic views, these luxury suites
epitomize 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

Click here for p rices and availability

MID RANGE - Armeni Village

An excellent location right in the middle of

Oia yet rooms are private and quiet

Many rooms have terrace and panoramic

views as well as loft bedrooms and the
capacity to sleep entire families. Some have
their own swimming pools.
Very good value for money.

Click here for p rices and availability

BUDGET - Sweet Home

Situated in a quiet, authentic interior village
with shops and cafes, and only 1 kilometer
from Thira

Very clean, comfortable rooms with small

kitchenettes and balconies. Most rooms have
balconies, and some have bunks for families.
Local family owned.

Click here for p rices and availability

HOW TO GET AROUND SANTORINI
There are a number of ways 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. Fares range between 2 and 3 euro and tickets can be purchased onboard.
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-traveled routes.

Rental agencies are located at the airport as well as in Fira and most will deliver to you and pick
up as well.

Further reading:
Top Things to do on Santorini

Where to stay on Santorini

Santorini with Kids

Santorini vs Mykonos

Santorini on a Budget

A Complete 3-day Itinerary for Santorini

Island Hopping in the Cyclades

How to have the perfect Santorini Honeymoon

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 10-14 DAY GREECE ITINERARY
If you have more than a week then you can either add more days to the places on this
itinerary or continue on!

Other islands – optional add ons

Milos
Milos is only 2 hours by Ferry from Santorini and is quite incredible.

It also has very unique and unusual volcanic landscapes including the completely white lunaresque
Sarakaniko beach, the stunning cliffs and caves of Kleftiko and the multi coloured beaches of
Paleochori and Agia Kiriaki Beach.

It is also home to several fishing villages where you will find traditional huts or 'Smyrna', some of
which are converted and available for rent. It is a LOT less crowded than Santorini and a much
slower pace and lower price point.

Further reading:
https://greecetravelsecrets.com/explore-greek-islands/explore-greek-islands/milos-island/

Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and is like visiting a country all on its own. It is the
southernmost island and is only 2 hours south of Santorini by ferry.

If you have at least a week then Crete is a great destination. Chania is a beautiful town with a
lovely Venetian Harbour and near some incredible beaches. Hire a car and explore the island from
west to east and try and include the south if you can which remains the most authentic part of the
island.
Further reading:
https://greecetravelsecrets.com/explore-greek-islands/crete/

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