1 week vacation in greece
Travel to the marvelous country of Greece and experience its rich heritage, culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. Book 1 week vacation in greece with the help of a travel agent, who is the one professional who can help you plan your trip to best suit your requirements. It’s the Europe everyone is dreaming of visiting at least once in their lifetime. With its amazing architecture, beautiful beaches, breath taking lakes and mind boggling mountain ranges Greece has been one of my favorite places to visit. From Santorini to Delphi, I’ve been able to cover a lot of territory within a week vacation in greece but it still wasn’t enough! Stay tuned for more.
Vacationing in Greece is a dream come true. The beautiful Mediterranean country has so much to offer, including world-class beaches and delicious cuisine, as well as historical sites that are thousands of years old. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Greece has something for everyone.
Greece is divided into 13 regions, each with its own unique culture and history. The most popular regions include Attica (which includes Athens), Crete, and the Cyclades Islands. If you want to explore some of the most popular cities in each region, check out our itinerary below!
Attica: Athens
The capital city of Greece is known for its bustling streets and eclectic neighborhoods. It’s also famous for being home to countless historical sites like the Acropolis, which houses ancient ruins from the Classical period; this area has been named one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1987 due to its significance as an archaeological site.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving up traditional Greek cuisine here too! You’ll want to try some souvlaki while visiting Athens—it’s grilled meat on skewers served with pita breads filled with vegetables like tomatoes or onions and tzatziki sauce.
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s out of this world, then look no further. Greece is the place to go!
With its incredible history and breathtaking views, Greece is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. From its famous ancient ruins to its gorgeous beaches, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, keep these tips in mind:
- Pack clothes that are appropriate for all weather conditions. Greece can be very hot or very cold depending on where you’re going, so make sure you bring plenty of clothing options that will keep you comfortable no matter what the weather is like.
- Make sure you have some cash on hand because many businesses in Greece only accept cash payments (and often at higher prices). Before heading out for your vacation, make sure to withdraw plenty of cash from an ATM beforehand so that if necessary, you won’t have any problems paying for things during your trip.
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! The sun can be very strong at times in Greece and if not protected by sunscreen or other forms of protection from UV rays such as sunglasses or hats then it could lead to serious skin damage later down the road.
ultimate greece vacation
Planning Your Ultimate Trip to Greece
Greece contains countless wonders, and it looms large in traveler’s minds for its ancient history, art, and archaeology. The following itineraries take both geography and timing into consideration, allowing you to see the most with the time you have by grouping sights that are close together or easier to travel between.
Our recommendation for seven days in Greece efficiently combines the country’s most enticing elements—ancient history and island time—by splitting the trip between classic three stops: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. For more 7-day itinerary ideas, see this article.
There are plenty of ways to build on that foundation. With three more days (making it a 10-day trip) we recommend swapping Mykonos for two lesser-visited Cycladic islands, Tinos and Naxos. For more 10-day trip ideas, see this article.
With another full week at your disposal (making it a 14-day trip), you can an extra day to each of the classic stops plus five days on beautiful Crete, the largest Greek island with a culture all its own. Given Crete’s size and the number of cultural attractions, beaches, and possible day trips available, you’ll need multiple days to do it right, and a longer trip is the perfect opportunity. For more two-week trip ideas, see this article.
In 7 Days: A Classic Trip to Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
- A perfect mix of ancient history, culture, and Greek Island exploration
- Spend two full days at each classic stop: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
- Take a day trip from Mykonos to legendary Delos
- Enjoy beach time, hiking, and sunsets over Santorini’s iconic caldera
The highlights of this week-long tour include the Acropolis in Athens, beaches, and temples on Mykonos and nearby Delos, and a sunset hike of the caldera in Santorini.
You’ll spend your first two nights in Athens, using the first day to take in iconic views of the Parthenon, ancient treasures at the National Museum, and bargain for some modern treasures at the bustling Monastiraki flea market.
On day two, your full day in Athens, you can take a guided tour for a closer look at the entire Acropolis complex – not just the Parthenon but its surrounding buildings and the Acropolis Museum – as well as other archaeological sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Agora. You can also spend your evening at the Athens Observatory, spotting the moon, distant planets, and constellations overhead.
On day three, it’s onto the beaches of Mykonos, along with a stroll through the 18th-century quarter known as Little Venice, and day four will have you headed to the nearby island of Delos to wander the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Your last two full days, days five and six, will be spent fully immersed in the wonders of Santorini, taking a wine tour of the island, exploring the iconic blue dome of Oia and medieval villages like Megalochori and Pyrgos, and taking in 360-degree views of the caldera on an epic hike. You should also take a boat trip out to explore the caldera, seeing how volcanic explosions have shaped these islands, and enjoying a Greek BBQ buffet as you watch the sunset on the final night of your trip. Learn more
Plan your trip to Greece
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
In 10 Days: Swap Mykonos for Naxos & Tinos, Plus a Delphi Day Trip
- Maximize time by swapping Mykonos for Tinos and Naxos
- Visit less-visited Cycladic isles packed with culture and natural beauty
- Day-trip to Delos from Tinos instead of Mykonos
- Enjoy an extra day of touring in both Athens and Santorini
With 10 days in Greece, you can see Athens and the ruins at Delphi, take a day trip to Delos, visit the pilgrimage sites of Tinos, take a culinary tour of Naxos, and tour the caldera by boat from Santorini.
Your first two days in Athens will unfold much like the previous itinerary. With a third night here, you’ll also be able to fit in a day trip to the ruins at Delphi, once home to the mystical priestesses of Apollo and now a sprawling archaeological site.
On day four, you’ll ferry to Tinos, another of the Cyclades’ hidden gems. The island is dotted with beautiful villages, including Pyrgos, known as a center of marble production and artistry in the 18th and 19th centuries, documented at a marble museum. The entire island is dotted with windmills, painted dovcecoats, and Venetian ruins among ever-changing landscapes, and also has some sparsely populated beaches that are perfect breaks from the busier beaches of Naxos and Santorini.
You’ll day trip to Delos by ferry on day five, as outlined in the seven-day trip (this time from Tinos instead of Mykonos). The next day, on to Naxos. Hike up Mount Zas, the mythical childhood home of Zeus, and take in the views. Try local liqueur and learn how it’s made in the town of Chalki. Pay a visit the Temple of Demeter. You can also devote an entire day – your second day on the island – to the unique cuisine of this island, with a food tour that will have you sampling loukoumades fried donuts, keftedes meatballs, and plenty of Naxian cheeses.
Days eight and nine will follow the previous itinerary, as you experience Santorini’s towns and villages like the famed Oia as well as Megalochori and Pyrgos, taking in the caldera on a hike and a sunset boat trip. Learn more
In 14 Days: Deeper Dive into Classic Stops, Plus 5 Days on Crete
- Spend five days exploring Crete, the largest Greek island
- Trek the famed Samaria Gorge, ending at a beautiful beach
- Enjoy additional culinary tours in Athens and Crete
- Add an extra day each in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos
With this two-week itinerary, enjoy additional time in each of the original stops. In Athens, for example, take a guided food tour from the stalls of Syntagma Square to the spices of Varvakios Market. Sample olive oils, honey, cheeses from around the country, cured meats, olives, and more. You’ll also spend a day getting to know the “authentic Mykonos,” visiting villages, enjoying lunch al fresco on a working farm, and touring areas intrinsic to the history of the island.
From Santorini, you’ll hop a ferry to Crete and spend five days exploring the largest of the Greek islands. Take a day trip to the magnificent Palace of Knossos, a 3,500-year-old Minoan maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, and workshops. Take a guided walk through Heraklion, exploring the old city’s medieval streets and Venetian architecture. Check out Chania’s waterfront districts, wandering among former tanneries and factories. And trek the island’s famed Samaria Gorge, an all-day affair that takes hikers from mountain forests all the way down to the glittering sea.
End your time in Crete in Apokoronas. This region’s villages—seven of them—are home to an Ottoman fort, historic churches, a folklore museum, and other important cultural sites. Visit the hillside ruins at ancient Aptera—one of the largest city-states in Crete until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the seventh century, a glassblowing factory in Kokkino Chorio, and the old square of Gavolochori, where you can see hand-knit lace created using a Byzantine technique.
how many days in greece
Planning Your Trip to Greece
If there was ever a destination that you could spend 365 days in it’d be Greece. From stunning beaches to ancient ruins, lively nightlife, and excellent cuisine, Greece is the perfect destination to feed your hunger for wanderlust.
We recommend that you spend at least seven days in Greece to be able to comfortably explore Athens and one or two Greek islands. With more days to spend, you can obviously explore more destinations and less-visited islands, but if you are planning a quick getaway we’ve got you covered too.
From the island of Crete to sky-high monasteries on the mainland, the Minoan ruins and the warm sandy beaches of Corfu Greece has all your travel needs covered. Our comprehensive guide to travel in Greece will walk you through a few itineraries and help you find points of interest to visit during your stay in Greece.
Your Four Day Itinerary
With only enough time for a long weekend in Greece, we highly recommend that you make Athens your main hub. At the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, you can explore more than 2,400 years of Greek history.
Visit the Parthenon for an up-close look at classical Greek architecture. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin) the temple is considered to be a culmination of the development of the Doric order. The Doric is simple and austere compared to other architectural orders in Greek history.
Check out the Athen Riveria to experience a slower pace of life similar to the life of the islands. It’s just a 30 to 40-minute taxi ride the meaders down a southern coastal road to the southernmost point at Cape Sounio. At the Athen Riveria, you’ll find blue flag beaches, small port towns, and ancient sites. The restaurants, hotels, and nightlife attract a great crowd and rival those of Mykonos. It’s also possible to find quieter spots as well.
Be sure to eat all the flaky spanakopita pastries you can at the local food marts and try the local wine. Foodies can loosen their belts and join a food-specific tour in Athens where you will learn stories of Greece’s culinary history and have an introduction to some of the local producers and chefs.
Shop the local markets and shops for a range of local delicacies like Baklava, souvlaki, and much more. Learn where the locals dine and enjoy the Mediterranean diet. After the tour, spend the rest of your day exploring the city or enjoying a well-deserved break.
If you plan to visit Greece at the peak of tourist season during the summer months you will want to do as the Athenians do and sit outside as you dine to enjoy the breeze from the Aegean coast. If you plan on driving around the mainland be sure to check out this guide.
You can easily spend four days in Athens alone checking out the morning coffee cafes and exploring the city’s ancient ruins. Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion a sacred site dating back to the Bronze age. It will take your breath away with its sweeping ocean views and gigantic ancient columns. Once you’ve had your fill board a boat and take a sunset cruise on the Mediterranean.
Your Seven Day Itinerary
If you have a little more time to spend in Greece, say seven days, you can visit Athens and check out a couple of the islands. Eat and drink your way through the olive groves, wineries, farms, and villages where the food was grown an arm’s length away.
First stop: Athens. Spend the afternoon at a local wine bar across from your hotels tasting Greek wines from various local wineries against an authentic downtown backdrop. Afterward, hit the town and explore. Check out the Temple of Hephaestus a well-reserved Greek temple that remains largely intact.
Foodies will love the Varvakeios Agora Market and the city’s neighborhood farmer’s markets. Greek food goes far beyond gyros and feta salad. If food is an important part of your vacation consider joining a gastronomy tour of Athens or Crete.
On your second-day bid farewell to Athens and head to Crete. We highly recommend that you atop in Vamos Village. Visit the 14th-century Byzantine church and greet the dozens of local kri-kri goats and sheep. There is also a world-famous olive oil factory for you to explore. Pick up some olive oil to take home as a souvenir. Tour the factory and meet the producers before enjoying a fresh lunch in town.
After lunch, make your way over to Chania where you can spend the night in a charming rustic little town. Chania is a great base from which to explore all the island has to offer. The next day set off early to take a hike up the Samaria Gorge. It is the longest trekking canyon (11 miles) in Europe and ends at Agia Roumeli village by the sea where you can grab lunch and a cold beer before making your way back to Chania.
Samaria Gorge has been a national park since 1962 and is currently on UNESCO’s tentative list. The hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli will take about 5 to 7 hours depending on your speed. After you finish your lunch at the local tavern enjoy a leisurely boat ride back to your hotel.
The next day, enjoy a visit to the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. Visit the orchards and fields or take a cooking class with a culinary expert who will teach you make to make traditional Greek cuisine. Enjoy your meal overlooking the beautiful parks and gardens.
Then board a luxury coach and make your way down to Kissamos Port. From the port, a small ferry can transport you to the Gramvoussa and Balos beaches. Thes beaches are famous for their pink-tinted sand and they are top-rated Greek beaches. Both beaches are protected by the Natura 2000 initiative which seeks to protect endangered habitats and wildlife. Spend your day relaxing by the seaside. Catch some sun, swim, and enjoy the beautiful blue-green waters.
On your final day in Crete take a 4×4 Jeep ride to the vineyards of the Manousaki Winery and visit the Manousakis Winery at Lake Ori Mountain. Taste local wines and buy a bottle to take home. Enjoy a light lunch of famous Greek specialties such as apaki, kalitsounia, and dolmadakia. Then when you are ready circle back to Chania where you will stay one last night before you head home.
Your Fourteen Day Itinerary
How many days in Greece is enough? Fourteen days will provide you will enough time to see just about everything you will want to do. Two weeks is enough time to have a real Greek adventure. You’ll be able to see multiple islands and mainland historical sites. Take part od cultural or outdoor activities, dive into ancient mythology, and enjoy the laid back island life.
First head to the lesser-known Greek islands where you can surf, hike, ride horses and enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. Hang ten at Kolymbithra Beach, snorkel at Naxos, or cruise along by boat on the Aegean Sea. There is an adventure for you at every turn.
When you arrive in Athen take the ferry to Tinos. Tinos is a Greek island that is not well known despite its fascinating history, a vast array of activities and beautiful beaches. Hike the famed marble route and explore the iconic windmills along the coast. Then take a guided climb at Exomvourgo, a granite rock with well-maintained routes and a path for everyone from beginner to expert. At the top, you will enjoy sweeping 360- degree views.
Head back to Kolybithra Beach and take a surf or paddleboard lesson. This protected cove on Tino’s northern coast is one of the best places for water sports. Many tourists rent jet skis or other water sports equipment. Take a ferry to Naxos for a diving excursion. You can learn the basics of diving before you head out to a chain of small rocky islands, reefs, and caves right off the coast.
Check out the villages of Naxos on the west side with a bicycle tour or guided horseback tour. The coastline is usually filled with people in speedboats cruising the waters. On to Los where you can visit spots of interest along the coast including many underwater caves and shipwrecks. These spots are perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Canoe or kayak in Mylopotas Bay to a cove that is perfect for sunbathing and having a beach picnic.
On your last day return to Athens and get one last look at the city before you leave with a relaxing bike ride around the neighborhoods and historic ancient sites. You could also take a walking tour with an English speaking guide who will make sure you don’t miss out on any of the important cultural sites before you leave.
Points of Interest You Can’t Miss
When traveling to Greece there are certain spots you just can’t miss. In recent years Athens is shaping up to be a great destination. Greece offers better value for your money than other Mediterrianina spots like Italy or Spain and has tons of small islands just waiting to be explored. Here are a few of the points of interest you can’t miss on your Greek vacation.
Athens
This is the birthplace of democracy and the thriving capital city of Greece. You could spend a whole trip just exploring Athens as we mentioned before. If you can plan two to three days to take advantage of everything Athens has to offer tourists. Some of the highlights you don’t want to miss include the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and National Archaeological Museum. Wander through the colorful streets of Plaka and Monastiraki and soak up the warm and inviting atmosphere and the hilly Kolonaki district.
Thessaloniki
The Greek seaside city of Thessaloniki was established in 316 BCE. Perhaps you have heard of it from the Bible. Named after Alexander the Great’s sister the city is full of Roman, Christian, Jewish, and Byzantine history. There are many great restaurants and dining options that putting Thessaloniki is a must for any greek vacation itinerary. Better yet, it only takes about an hour to fly to Thessaloniki from Athens.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Just 15 miles outside of Athens is Lake Vouliagmeni but it will seem like you are world’s away. Its name is derived from the Greek word vouliiazo which means submerged. Indeed the mesmerizing lake formed when a huge underwater spring let loose and caused the massive cave roof to collapse.
Milos
This stunning Cycladic island is where many Greeks go on their honeymoons or just to getaway. It is famous for the Venus de Milo statue that sits in the Louvre. Milos is volcanic in origin and just as beautiful as the island of Santorini. The unique geology has gifted the island with beautiful beaches and landscapes. The best news is it is just a three-hour ferry ride from Piraeus.
How Many Days In Greece Is Enough?
If you are traveling to Greece you should ideally give yourself at least a week to explore the mainland and visit a few islands too. Visit the ancient ruins, swim off the coast, and visit a different restaurant each night to get a good sense of why Greece is beloved by many travelers. If you can add some extra time to go hiking or enjoy outdoor activities, even better.
