7 Days in Greece Itinerary
Ancient Athens meets island paradise: the Acropolis, Santorini sunsets, and Mykonos beaches
Seven days in Greece lets you experience both ancient wonders and island magic. Start in Athens where the Acropolis still crowns the city after 2500 years, then ferry to the Cyclades islands for whitewashed villages, volcanic beaches, and legendary sunsets. This itinerary combines the essential Athens experience with the two most iconic Greek islands - Santorinis dramatic cliffs and Mykonos cosmopolitan energy. Ferries between islands turn travel into adventure, with the Aegean Sea sparkling all around.
Route Overview
This Greece itinerary covers Athens plus two Cyclades islands:
- Days 1-2: Athens - Acropolis, ancient Agora, and vibrant neighbourhoods
- Days 3-5: Santorini - Caldera views, Oia sunsets, volcanic beaches
- Days 6-7: Mykonos - Windmills, beaches, Little Venice nightlife
- Ferry Athens-Santorini - 5 hours high-speed, from 55 GBP
- Ferry Santorini-Mykonos - 2-3 hours, from 45 GBP
- Flight Mykonos-Athens - 45 minutes for return, from 60 GBP
Book Ferries Early
High season ferries sell out. Book via Ferryhopper or SeaJets 2-3 weeks ahead minimum. Business class worth it for AC and reserved seating.
Day 1: Arrive in Athens
Day 1: Ancient History Introduction
Airport to City Centre
Metro Line 3 runs from airport to Syntagma Square every 30 minutes. Taxi fixed fare to city centre is 35 GBP day, 50 GBP night.
Hotel & Plaka Wander
Drop bags and explore Plaka, the old neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis. Narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and countless cafes. Get lost on purpose.
Acropolis Views from Anafiotika
Climb through Anafiotika, a village-within-the-city built by island craftsmen. Whitewashed houses and incredible Acropolis views. Perfect sunset spot.
Rooftop Dinner
Countless rooftop restaurants offer lit Acropolis views. Strofi or A for Athens have spectacular settings. Book ahead for best tables.
Day 2: Ancient Athens
Day 2: Acropolis & Archaeological Wonders
Acropolis
Arrive at 8am opening to beat crowds and heat. The Parthenon dominates but dont miss the Erechtheion with its caryatid maidens. The views over Athens are exceptional.
Acropolis Museum
The modern museum displays treasures found on the sacred rock. The glass floor reveals ancient ruins below. The Parthenon Gallery is extraordinary.
Makrigianni Area
The neighbourhood below the museum has excellent tavernas. Mani Mani serves refined Peloponnese cuisine.
Ancient Agora & Roman Forum
The Agora was ancient Athens marketplace and democracy birthplace. The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved Greek temple. Roman Forum has the Tower of the Winds.
Monastiraki Square
Browse the flea market, watch street performers, people-watch from a cafe. The energy is electric as day turns to evening.
Psiri Dinner
Walk to Psiri for dinner in Athenss hip neighbourhood. Mezedopoleia serve small plates meant for sharing. Try grilled octopus and saganaki cheese.
Beat the Heat
Athens is hot April-October. Visit outdoor sites early morning. Siesta 2-5pm. Museums are air-conditioned refuges.
Day 3: Ferry to Santorini
Day 3: Athens to Santorini
Piraeus Port & Ferry
Take metro Line 1 to Piraeus. High-speed ferries take 5 hours, standard 8 hours. Business class has AC, snacks, and sea views.
Athinios Port to Fira
Ferries dock at Athinios port. Buses meet arrivals and drive the winding cliff road to Fira. Book hotel transfer for easier luggage handling.
Fira Exploration
Santorinis capital clings to the caldera rim. Wander the marble streets, take in the first caldera views. The light turns golden as sunset approaches.
Caldera Sunset
Find a spot along the caldera path or a rooftop bar. The sun sinks into the sea behind the volcanic islands. This is why people come to Santorini.
Fira Dinner
Restaurants with caldera views are pricey but memorable. Argo or Lucky s Souvlakis offers value. Try fava (split pea puree) and tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters) - Santorini specialties.
Day 4: Santorini Full Day
Day 4: Oia, Beaches & Wine
Bus to Oia
Buses run frequently from Fira. Oia is the most photographed village in Greece - blue domes, white walls, bougainvillea everywhere. Arrive early before cruise crowds.
Explore Oia
Walk the main street past boutiques and galleries. Find the famous three blue domes viewpoint. Descend to Ammoudi Bay for swimming and seafood.
Ammoudi Bay
Seafood tavernas perch on the tiny harbor. Fresh fish grilled to perfection. The swimming off the rocks is excellent.
Beach Time
Choose your beach: Perissa or Perivolos have black volcanic sand and beach clubs. Red Beach is dramatic but crowded. Kamari has water sports.
Wine Tasting
Santorini produces unique wines from volcanic soil. Santo Wines or Venetsanos offer caldera view tastings. Kids get grape juice.
Return to Fira for Dinner
Or stay in Oia for the famous sunset and dinner. Book restaurants in advance as everyone wants caldera views.
Day 5: Santorini to Mykonos
Day 5: Volcano Tour & Ferry
Volcano Boat Trip
Half-day trips sail to Nea Kameni volcano for hiking the crater, then to hot springs for swimming. The caldera views from the water are spectacular.
Final Santorini Meal
Quick lunch in Fira before collecting bags. Or pack a picnic from bakeries.
Ferry to Mykonos
High-speed ferries connect the islands frequently in summer. The journey passes other Cyclades islands. Watch for dolphins.
Arrive Mykonos Town
The new port is 2km from town. Buses and taxis meet ferries. Hotels often arrange transfers.
Mykonos Town Wander
Get lost in the maze of white streets - its designed to confuse pirates. Find the iconic windmills and Little Venice waterfront.
Little Venice Dinner
Tables sit on the waters edge. Waves splash below as you dine. Katerinas is an institution. Watch the sunset over your meal.
Mykonos Prices
Mykonos is Greeces most expensive island. Budget an extra 20-30% for food and drinks compared to Santorini or Athens.
Day 6: Mykonos Full Day
Day 6: Beaches, Delos & Island Life
Delos Day Trip
Ferries leave Mykonos harbour for the sacred island of Delos. Ancient Greeks believed Apollo was born here. The ruins are extraordinary - an entire ancient city.
Return & Mykonos Town Lunch
Back in Mykonos Town, grab souvlaki from Jimmy s Gyros or sit at a harbour taverna.
Beach Club Experience
Mykonos beaches are legendary. Paradise Beach has water sports, Ornos is family-friendly, Agios Sostis is quiet and local. Psarou is celebrity central.
Ano Mera Village
The only inland village offers a glimpse of traditional Mykonos. Visit Panagia Tourliani monastery. Much quieter than the town.
Seafood Feast
Splurge on your last island night. Kiki s Tavern at Agios Sostis beach (no reservations, arrive early) or Avra in town for upscale Greek cuisine.
Day 7: Mykonos to Athens & Departure
Day 7: Morning Swim & Return
Final Beach Swim
One last Mediterranean swim. Ornos or Agios Ioannis are close to town for easy return.
Mykonos Town Browse
Final shopping for souvenirs. Greek sandals, olive oil soap, and local honey make excellent gifts.
Flight to Athens
Mykonos airport is small but efficient. Flights to Athens take 45 minutes. Alternative: 5-hour high-speed ferry.
Athens Connection
If time allows, explore Athens further or head directly to your international departure. Airport has good shopping and restaurants.
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Build My Packing ListGetting Around Greece
- Athens Metro - Clean, efficient, cheap. Tickets 1.40 GBP. Airport line costs 10 GBP.
- Ferries - Book via Ferryhopper.com or BlueStarFerries. High-speed costs more but saves hours.
- Island Buses - Cheap and reliable but not always frequent. Schedules at stations.
- Rental Cars - Useful on larger islands but parking in towns is nightmarish. Santorini ATV rentals are popular but risky.
- Taxis - Metered in Athens. Negotiate fixed fares on islands.
High Season Warning
July-August is extremely busy and hot. Ferries and accommodation book out. May-June and September-October offer better weather and fewer crowds.
7-Day Greece Budget
Estimated costs for a family of four:
- Accommodation - 1200-2500 GBP (Athens cheaper, islands expensive - 170-350 per night average)
- Inter-island transport - 400-600 GBP (ferries, domestic flight, airport transfers)
- Attractions - 150-250 GBP (Acropolis combo, Delos, volcano tour)
- Food - 600-1000 GBP (tavernas add up, especially on Mykonos)
- Beaches & extras - 100-200 GBP (sunbeds, water sports)
- Total - 2450-4550 GBP depending on choices
Island Budget Tips
Eat at tavernas not tourist restaurants. Supermarket breakfast saves money. Beach clubs are expensive - find free public beaches. Mykonos prices are 50% higher than Athens.
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