Greece Itinerary: 7 Days

EuropeGreece
Written By Jessica Bergin

Crystal-clear beaches, lunar-like landscapes and whitewashed villages paint the picture for your Greek getaway. Woven with a wealth of wineries, water sports and awe-worthy history, this Greece Itinerary for 7 Days hits all the highlights.

Greece is known for its ancient ruins, archaeological museums and idyllic islands. From the historic sights and thriving culture to the delectable culinary scene, every inch of this country will have you on the edge of your seat.

santorini in greece

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece’s mainland and thousand-and-something islands offer a diversity of escapes. Visit the bucket-list-worthy Acropolis in Athens, let loose in party-crazed Mykonos and wind down on a sunset sail in Santorini.

Get ready, because your 7 day Greece itinerary is jam-packed with adventure. Want to extend your trip? Amp up the action with this 10-day Greek Island Itinerary.

Holidays in Greece hone in on a huge haul of experiences, and it’s a feast for the senses. Sunny beaches, breezy coastal trails and mouth-watering cuisine make this one of the top travel destinations in Europe.

Say ‘yassou’ because this one week itinerary will help make your Greece vacation unforgettable.

 

How to Spend 7 Days in Greece

Whether you want to swim in the Aegean or dip across to the Ionian Sea, every corner is carved with something unique.

The best 7 day Greece itinerary includes a mix of both big city vibes and breezy island life. You’ll kick off the trip in the beating heart of the capital city, Athens.

After sightseeing and strolling the steep streets, you’ll beach-hop in lively Mykonos before moving on to an island of your choice. Now’s the time you’ll indulge in a little extra relaxation or amp up the action. You’ll wrap up your trip on the most famous Greek Island, Santorini. Pack your appetite because this last leg of the trip is filled with food and wine.

milos island in greece

If it’s your first trip to Greece, this itinerary takes you through all the highlights.

If you’re a seasoned traveller, you could swap Mykonos with Ios and Santorini with Crete.

In this 7 day Greece itinerary, we include the best time to visit, how to get around, top things to do and where to stay.

Here’s a summary of the one week travel guide:

  • Day 1-2: Athens 

  • Day 3-4: Mykonos

  • Day 5: Milos, Paros or Naxos

  • Day 6-7: Santorini  




Day 1 - 2: Athens

Let’s get the ball rolling in Greece’s capital city, Athens. Home to a huge haul of things to do, you’ll spend two days diving deep into the historical, cultural and culinary experiences.

No stay in Greece is complete without a trip to the capital! Kick off your itinerary in the birthplace of the Western world. This open-air museum is saturated with ancient ruins and rich history, from the mystery-filled museums to the time-sculpted temples.

This 7 day Greece itinerary for first-timers includes the major attractions in Athens, like the Acropolis, Parthenon and the Temple of Athena. Wander around the Erechtheion, visit the iconic Theatre of Dionysus and don’t miss the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

mountain and town in athens greece

Many of the top attractions in Greece can be seen in just two days in Athens. If you tire of sightseeing, enjoy the food in Plaka and shop ‘til you drop in the Monastiraki neighbourhood.

Sip ouzo in the rooftop bars at sunset and watch the city lights shed a different light on the surrounding slew of monuments.

Running on a tight schedule? See it all in one day on the hop-on hop-off bus!

You’ll see highlights like the National Archaeological Museum and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Things to do in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens

 

Day 3 - 4: Mykonos

After 2 days in Athens, board a ferry to Mykonos. This leg of the 7 day Greece itinerary promises plenty of diversity, from the buzzing beach bars to the lively nightlife scene.

The perfect Greece vacation includes sightseeing, sun and sandy beaches. This Cycladic Island is well-known for its nightlife, but if that’s not your priority, there’s also a lot more beyond the surface.

Uncover the local side of life on an authentic Mykonos tour, dine in traditional taverns and taste Greek delicacies like kopanisti (spicy cheese) and louza (Mykonian cured pork).

This Greece itinerary includes plenty of time to soak up the sun and bounce around the beach clubs. Meander around Little Venice and see the wealth of windmills before popping into the white-splashed Paraportiani Church.

The top activities in Greece include a Delos guided tour and a winery vineyard experience. Partying in Mykonos is a quintessential experience, so be sure to set aside an evening in town.

Things to do in Mykonos

Where to Stay in Mykonos

 

Day 5: Milos, Paros or Naxos

The best Greece itinerary includes a little downtime… On day five, you’ll have the freedom to pick your preferred island. Choose between Milos, Paros and Naxos.

These Greek islands boast beautiful beaches, whitewashed towns and stunning coastal trails. Whether you want to get active on a hike or hang out in a fishing village, this part of your 1 week Greece itinerary is completely tailored to you.

Milos is located in the Cyclades Islands and is famous for its lunar-like cliffs, crystal-clear waters and bucolic fishing villages. This small volcanic island is often overlooked by Santorini or Mykonos, but its authentic vibes make it one of the top places to visit in Greece.

Sunbathe on the iconic white rock formations in Sarakiniko Beach, swim in crystal-clear Kleftiko Beach and swing by less-visited Firopotamos. Climb up to the Plaka Castle for the best sunset views before indulging in local cuisine near Mandrakia Beach.

milos island in greece

Top attractions include the Papafragas Caves, Agia Kiriaki Beach and the quaint Klima village.

Don’t miss a thing with this guide on the Best Things to do in Milos.

Things to do in Milos

Where to Stay in Milos

 

Day 6 - 7: Santorini

Wind up your 7 day Greece itinerary in the most famous Cycladic Island, Santorini. Athens and Mykonos are popular places to visit in Greece, but nothing matches this idyllic island’s charm.

Santorini is fringed with flower-bedecked streets, sugar-white-coloured homes and staggering clifftops. The rich volcanic history, thriving cultural scene and buzzing atmosphere create a spine-tingling experience for many travellers.

Dip in and out of the volcanic hot springs in the sunken caldera, hike the coastal trail from Fira to Oia and dine on the waterfront in Amoudi Bay. Stroll along the picture-perfect streets in Fira and take the steep trek down to Red Beach.

Get your history fix in Akrotiri and Ancient Thera and sip local vino on a traditional wine-tasting tour. Finish your trip with a catamaran cruise and enjoy the best sunset views in Oia.

Mix up your sightseeing on a day trip from Santorini and visit hot spots like Anafi Island and Folegandros. If you’ve already visited Santorini, swap this destination for Crete. Ancient palaces, charming villages and lush gorges await! No matter where you choose to wrap up your Greece trip, you won’t be disappointed.

Things to do in Santorini

Where to Stay in Santorini

 

Greek Island Itineraries for 5, 10, 14 and 21 Days

So, now you’ve got the rundown on this 7-day Greece itinerary for first-timers. One week showcases the country’s highlights, but if you want to dig deeper, I’d highly recommend extending your trip. More time allows you to explore at a slower pace, discover hidden gems and connect with locals on another level.

Check out these 5-, 10-, 14- and 21-day Greece itineraries if you want to switch up your trip.

shipwreck in a greek island

5 Days in Greece

  • Day 1: Athens 

  • Day 2-3: Mykonos & Milos

  • Day 4-5: Santorini

10 Days in Greece

  • Day 1: Athens 

  • Day 2-3: Mykonos

  • Day 4-5: Paros & Ios

  • Day 6-7: Milos or Sifnos

  • Day 8-10: Santorini  

2 Weeks in Greece

  • Day 1-2: Athens 

  • Day 3-4: Mykonos

  • Day 5-6: Paros & Ios

  • Day 7-8: Naxos & Milos

  • Day 9-11: Santorini  

  • Day 12-14: Crete  

3 Weeks in Greece

  • Day 1-3: Athens 

  • Day 4-5: Andros  

  • Day 6-8: Mykonos

  • Day 9-10: Paros & Ios

  • Day 11-12: Naxos 

  • Day 13-15: Milos & Sifnos

  • Day 16-18: Santorini  

  • Day 19-21: Crete 

 

Best Time To Visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece depends on your travel budget and personal preferences. Here’s what to expect in each season:

Spring in Greece

From March to May, Greece boasts mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The springtime colours the mountains with wildflowers, creating a unique experience for outdoor adventure. There are fewer tourists, making it ideal for sightseeing and island hopping. Spring is ideal if you want to enjoy the things to do in Greece without the summer crowds. The Easter celebrations add a rich cultural element and make spring one of the most fascinating times to visit Greece.

Summer in Greece

From June to August, you’ll enjoy long sunny days, warm waters and a rowdy nightlife scene. Summer is the most popular time to visit Greece, making it peak tourist season. This is the best time for beach lovers and party-focused travellers. Be prepared to pay higher rates on accommodation, airfares and activities.

Autumn in Greece

From September to November, the weather remains relatively pleasant and the crowds begin to thin out. The sea is still warm up until early October, making autumn an ideal time for cultural exploration, outdoor activities and beach trips. The grape and olive harvests take place in autumn and offer a unique local experience in the countryside. Late September is ideal for this 1 week Greece itinerary.

Winter in Greece

From December to February, the winter season takes place. With slower days, chilly evenings and mild weather in coastal areas, winter offers a quieter, more local experience. Plus, there’s even snow in the mountain ranges, so you can enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding. Winter is the best time to visit Athens and other historical sights as it’s less crowded. During this season, you can find affordable airfares, hotels and activities.

 

How to Get Around Greece

Your 7 day Greece itinerary promises plenty of fun, food and fascinating sights. Breeze through your one week trip and master the art of getting around Greece with this quick guide:

Ferries

Ferries make Greek island hopping easy. The average travel times range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on where you want to go. Ferries are one of the fastest ways to get around Greece, so be sure to book your tickets in advance (especially if you’re travelling in high season). Here are the average travel times in popular destinations:

santorini is the most popular greek island

  • Athens (Piraeus) to Mykonos: 2.5 - 5 hours

  • Mykonos to Santorini: 2 - 3 hours

  • Paros to Naxos: 30 - 45 minutes

  • Athens (Piraeus) to Crete (Heraklion): 9 - 9.5 hours

  • Santorini to Crete (Heraklion): 2 hours

Driving

Renting a car in Greece allows you more freedom and flexibility. You can follow your own travel schedule and dive deeper into each destination.

If you plan on staying in the big cities, hiring a car may not be necessary.

However, for day trips and off-the-beaten-track exploration, a vehicle offers you a level of freedom that public transport simply can’t match.

Buses

Taking the bus is ideal for backpackers and budget travellers, but it is not the most time-friendly option.

Many buses run from the central bus station in Athens (Kifissos) to other cities and islands. Some of the Greek islands offer bus services, but timetables don’t often run frequently.

You can compare timetables and prices using Busbud.

Aeroplanes

Flying around the Greek Islands is a great option if you’re on a tight time schedule. You can score pocket-friendly flights if you book in advance using Skyscanner. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, you can claim money with Compensair.

 

Travel Tips for Your 7 Day Greece Itinerary

To ensure your Greece itinerary goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to take into consideration. Make sure you brush up on the following tips:

  • If you’re a non-EU resident, don’t forget to organise an International Drivers License

  • Set up a travel budget and make a savings plan for your Greece trip

  • Save money by booking your airfares and accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance

  • Be spontaneous and get off the typical tourist trail

  • If you want to dive deeper, set aside 3 to 4 weeks to visit Greece

  • Purchase a local SIM card with this guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.  

  • Master the art of scoring cheap flights

  • Master packing light so you can avoid the extra baggage fees (I’m looking at you, Ryanair!) 

  • Take advantage of the free walking tours in big cities like Athens

 

FAQs

Is it worth going to Greece for 7 days?

Seven days in Greece is enough time to see some highlights in places like Athens and Santorini. The best Greece itinerary for 7 days includes a mix of historical sights and island hopping to places like Mykonos and Ios.

Where should I go in Greece for the first time?

If it’s your first time in Greece, begin your trip in the capital city, Athens. Visit the Acropolis and top attractions and then begin Greek island hopping. Popular destinations like Santorini, Crete and Andros are a must-see for first-time visitors.

How much money do you need for 7 days in Greece?

A one-week trip to Greece generally costs about $1,400 (€1,300) per person. For two people, the cost comes to around $2,800 (€2,600) in total. This total cost includes accommodation, local transport, food and activities.

Where is the prettiest place in Greece?

Pack your Greece itinerary with plenty of food, fun and fascinating destinations. Whitewashed villages, bougainvillea-draped homes and narrow streets paint the scene here. Some of the most beautiful places in Greece include Santorini, Athens, Delphi, Crete and Corfu.

Why Spend 1 Week in Greece?

Saline-white homes, turquoise waters and soaring clifftops will make your holiday in Greece unforgettable. Lyrical landscapes combine with a thriving cultural and culinary scene that makes Greece one of the most popular places to visit in Europe.

Marvel at the ruins in Athens, party hard in Mykonos and unwind by the sea in Milos. Put the cherry on top of your one week trip in the most famous Greek island, Santorini.

Before you jet off on your next getaway, save this best Greece itinerary for 7 days.

Jessica Bergin https://www.jessbergin.com
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