Greek Islands Itinerary: 10 Days
Saturated with sweeping cliff faces, utopic beaches and saline-white-splashed towns, the Greek islands are a gift from the godsend. If you're searching for a stellar 10-day Greek island itinerary, you might want to stick around…
Endeavouring into the eclectic expanse of Greece’s archipelago is nothing short of an enthralling pursuit. Home to a huge haul of islands, over 3,000 to be exact, you can expect to find something that’s tailored to you.
As one of Europe’s most paradisal escapades, there’s infinite room to roam and render in the rapture. If you wondering how to spend 10 days in Greece, here’s an in-depth itinerary to keep you on your feet.
10 days in the Greek Islands: Athens, Andros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Santorini & Crete
First things first. Let’s knock this question out of the park. How many days do you need in the Greek Islands?
The answer depends on your travel style and how much you want to see. I’d say that anywhere between 10 days to 3 weeks is enough time to skim the surface.
Further down below there are various Greek island itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days.
As one of the best Greek island itineraries, this route winds through 5-6 different islands. Kick off the trip galloping around the glorious ruins in Athens, before heading over to party-packed Mykonos.
From there, you travel through the untouched natural splendour of Paros & Ios, before setting aside a couple of days in quaint Milos. Then, you’ll wind up your Greek islands itinerary in the whitewashed world of sublime Santorini.
Day 1: Athens
Day 2-3: Mykonos
Day 4-5: Paros & Ios
Day 6-7: Milos
Day 8-10: Santorini
Day 1: Athens
Get the ball rolling in Greece’s capital city, Athens. Touted as the birthplace of the Western world, you’ll spend an entire day getting immersed in the idyllic scenes.
Start your Greek islands itinerary wandering astray in this spine-tingling open-air museum. Saturated with ancient ruins and rich history, meander through Athens’ mystery-filled museums and time-sculpted temples. Home to a huge haul of highlights, make sure you’ve got enough time to scale up to one of Ancient Greece’s most iconic landmarks, the Acropolis. Nearby you’ll encounter gems like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Erechtheion, the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Take a stroll through history-ridden Plaka and shop ‘til you drop in the Monastiraki neighbourhood.
Cap off the perfect evening at a rooftop bar and dabble in a drink or two. Watch the city lights paint a clashing contrast against the myriad of ancient monuments.
Things to do in Athens:
Go crazy on a street food tour
Stand in awe at the Acropolis of Athens & Acropolis Museum
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Check out the time-worn Parthenon
See it all in one day on the hop-on hop-off bus
Discover the details in the National Archaeological Museum
Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens
Explore the ancient Panathenaic Stadium
Hop on a day trip to Delphi
Where to Stay in Athens:
€: Athos Hotel
Day 2-3: Mykonos
After a ravishing first day in the capital city, hop on a ferry or flight over to the ever-iconic Mykonos.
This Cycladic Island is notorious for its nightlife, but if that’s not your only concern, there’s also a lot more to see. This Greek Island itinerary invites you to take a peek at the pleasurable pursuits beyond the surface image. Soak up the sun and bounce around to the beats in the beach club and stop by a whitewashed tavern and taste temptingly tasty cuisine. Lock lips with a classic louza, delectable saganaki cheese or a feta-rich Greek salad.
Prance outside of picturesque Little Venice to see the world of windmills, Kato Myli and stop by the white-splashed Paraportiani Church.
Things to do in Mykonos:
Get a bit tipsy on a winery vineyard experience
Jump on a Delos guided tour
Make memories to last a lifetime on a sunset cruise
Get in touch with traditional cuisine in a cooking class
Feel the sunshine from Super Paradise Beach
See all the scenery on a walking tour
Kill two birds with one stone at the Rhenia & Delos Islands
Visit the highlights on an authentic Mykonos tour
Where to Stay in Mykonos:
€€: Hotel Tagoo
€€€: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos
Day 4-5: Paros & Ios
After two days in iconic Mykonos, hop on a high-speed ferry over to Paros. In this chunk of the Greek islands itinerary, Paros serves as a stellar base. On your fifth day, jump on a day trip to neighbouring Ios.
Woven with a wealth of whitewashed towns, square-shaped edifices and impossibly blue water beaches, Paros makes for a stellar sojourn. Ignite the explorer within as you peruse the Paros Park Nature Reserve, see what all the fuss is about in Kolympethres Beach and come face to face with the fluttering Butterflies Nature Reserve.
Gallop around Parikia Town, see the historic spots in Lefkes and get your beach fix at Golden Beach. If you were looking for a chance to get off the beaten path, you could alternatively swap Paros with Ios.
Things to do in Paros & Ios:
Rent a boat without a license in Paros
Feel the ocean breeze on a sailing yacht cruise from Paros
Master the fusion of Greek ingredients in a cooking class in Paros
See the notorious Iraklia & Schinoussa on a sailing cruise from Paros
Explore Lefkes on a walking tour in Paros
Discover Antiparos and Despotiko on a boat tour from Paros
Get active on an e-bike sunset tour in Ios
Live lavishly on Kimolos Island on a private cruise from Ios
Where to Stay in Paros:
€: Londos Hotel
€€: Surfing Beach Village Paros
€€€: Paros Agnanti Hotel
Day 6-7: Milos
After basking in the beauty of Paros & Ios, now’s the time to jump on a ferry and float over to Milos.
You might be wondering if this Greek island itinerary can get any better, and you’re about to uncover the answer. After making your way down to the southernmost-situated Cyclades Island, spend the next two days dabbling in its delight. Embracing an eccentric volcanic history, this island puts emphasis on the exotic. Sunbake on top of the iconic white rock formations in Sarakiniko Beach and soak in the crystal-clear water of Kleftiko Beach.
Stop by the less-frequented town of Firopotamos, climb up to the Plaka Castle and frolic among the fishing village vibes on Mandrakia Beach. Seek adventure at the Papafragas Caves, get gobsmacked by the colossal Agia Kiriaki Beach and relish in the flavours from a restaurant in the quant Klima village.
Things to do in Milos:
Feel the fresh air on a catamaran cruise to West Milos
Get your heart rate up on a kayaking tour to Tsigrado & Gerakas Beach
See the scenery around Milos & Polyaigos on a cruise with lunch
Get educated on an archaeology & culture tour
Dive in or go snorkelling on a Kleftiko sailing cruise
Where to Stay in Milos:
€€: Divan Apollon Palace & Thalasso
€€€: Saronida Hills
Day 8-10: Santorini
In this last leg of your Greek islands itinerary, we’re going to wind things up in eminently eccentric Santorini.
Flaunting flower-bedecked homes, sugar-white-coloured buildings and staggering cliffs that soar deep beneath the water’s edge, Santorini is a must-see. Harbouring a hefty volcanic history, there’s a real sense of magic embedded within this eye-popping landscape.
Stroll along the slew of streets in Fira, trail down to the Red Beach and witness the wealth of colours in an emblematic sunset in Oia. Get a dose of history in Akrotiri or Ancient Thera, sip wines at the cliff-hugging Santo Wines and see the Three Bells of Fira.
Go for a dip in the hot springs in the sunken caldera, get your heart pumping on the trekking trail from Fira to Oia and dine by the sea in Amoudi Bay. Alternatively, you could avoid Santorini’s swarming tourist hordes and take a day trip to Crete.
Things to do in Santorini:
Hit the high seas on a luxury catamaran cruise
Explore on a horse riding trip on a black sand beach
Dive deep on a scuba diving in the volcanic crater
Taste the flavours on a wine-tasting tour
Get your adrenaline pumping on a South Sea kayaking tour
Visit the Volcanic Hot Springs on a cruise
Soak up the scenes on a highlights tour with a traditional wine tasting in Oia
Explore Santorini on a sightseeing bus
Keep it classy on a luxury catamaran with an open bar
Bring your trip to a close with a BBQ on a catamaran cruise
Where to Stay in Santorini:
€: Villa Toula
Greek Island Itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 14 & 21 Days
5 Days in Greece
Day 1: Athens
Day 2-3: Mykonos & Milos
Day 4-5: Santorini
1 Week in Greece
Day 1-2: Athens
Day 3-4: Mykonos
Day 5: Andros, Milos, Paros or Naxos
Day 6-7: 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
If you’re a Mediterranean lover, you could also consider this 3-Week Mediterranean Itinerary. Winding through the coast’s most captivating destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore sites like the Balearic Islands, Sicily and Cyprus.
Best Time To Visit The Greek Islands
The best time to travel to the Greek Islands is during the warmer months, from late May to early October. This part of Europe beckons a light on bliss-inducing weather, fun-packed festivities and sun-soaked villages.
If you don't want to battle through the crowds, aim for the off-peak times of late April and early November.
During these seasons, you'll gain traction in affordable accommodation and flights. Plus, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy an outdoor adventure like sightseeing, biking and hiking.
How to Get Around the Greek Islands
Nothing beats island hopping in Greece! Here are the best ways to get around the Greek Islands:
Ferries
Greek island hopping is best done by ferry. With travel times averaging around 45 minutes and 2 hours, this is one of the fastest ways to get around.
Make sure you purchase your ferry tickets well in advance. The sooner, the better! If you’re travelling during the peak season or festive holidays like Easter or Christmas, make sure you’ve purchased your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
Driving
Hiring a car in Greece offers you a chance to dive deeper into each destination. With more freedom when it comes to route planning, you can really take things at your own pace. Plus, you’ll be able to island hop thanks to the ferries.
Buses
Taking the bus in Greece is ideal for backpackers and budget travellers, but it is not the most time-friendly option. Many buses are running from the central bus station in Athens (Kifissos) to other cities and islands.
Within the Greek islands, some offer bus services. Keep in mind that the timetables are not so frequent. You can compare a range of options, timetables and prices using Busbud.
Trains
Greece’s train network is quite limited and isn’t necessarily a favourable option. Running under the name of OSE, the Greek railway network is the most economical way of getting around.
Aeroplanes
Flying around the Greek Islands is another option, and it’s possible to score pocket-friendly flights if you book in advance. Use Skyscanner to compare various airlines and prices, and if your flight gets cancelled or delayed for more than 3 hours, check out Compensair. Keep in mind that the Greek islands are well known for lengthy airport waits…
Top Travel Tips for Your 10-Day Greek Island Itinerary
The Greek Islands are etched with glorious landscapes, pristine beaches and whitewashed towns.
With a plethora of pleasurable pursuits on offer, this is nothing short of a destination from godsend. Make the most out of your Greek itinerary with these travel hacks:
Consider taking ferries over buses, trains and aeroplanes
There are more international flights to Crete than to Santorini and Mykonos
Set up a travel budget and get going with a savings plan for your trip to the Greek Islands
Get off the beaten track every now and again – spontaneity is key
International Drivers Licenses are required for non-EU residents
Make sure you know how to score cheap flights
Purchase a local SIM card. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Organise your flights and accommodation well in advance
Brush up on this guide on how to pack light
Make sure you’ve got the necessary European visa requirements
Get familiar with some standard Greek phrases
International flights are usually cheaper from Athens
Buy from locals at the markets
Have your back with travel insurance
Leave the majority of your cash in your accommodation
Keep an eye out for pickpockets, particularly in busy cities like Athens
Average Cost for 10 Days in the Greek Islands
Budgeting for Greece is fairly straightforward if you implement these 8 Simple Steps. Here’s the average cost for a budget, backpacker and luxury trip to the Greek islands.
Average
The average cost for 10 days in the Greek islands is around $1,400 per person.
This includes eating out at local taverns and staying in a private room in a hotel or hostel. The average cost can fluctuate depending on the island, and you can expect to pay a bit more if you’re travelling to Santorini or Mykonos.
Budget
The cost for a backpacker budget in the Greek islands is approximately $900.
To keep costs as low as possible, make sure you book your flights and accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance. In 10 days, you’ll be able to make your way around on public transport, buy from local markets and cook at your hostel. If you’re travelling to Santorini or Mykonos, aim to stay in the outer areas to save some money.
Luxury
The average cost for a luxury 10-day trip in the Greek islands is anywhere over $5,000.
You can splurge on all-inclusive resorts, gourmet restaurants and plenty of private tours.
FAQS
How many Greek Islands can you do in 10 days?
In 10 days, you can visit top-rated destinations like the capital city of Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Ios, Milos and Santorini. You can enjoy up to 2 days on each of the islands, or, you could stay in one centrally-located island and do day trips out from there.
Is 10 days enough time for Greece?
10 days in Greece is enough time to visit ancient ruins, enjoy the cuisine and hit the beach. Although you can get a taste of what’s on offer, it’s worth spending 14 to 21 days to dive deeper.
How many days do I need in the Greek Islands?
When planning a trip to Greece, be sure to spend at least 2 to 3 days on each island. Island hopping can be fun and exciting, but it can become draining if you’re constantly on the move. 10 days is an ideal time to explore the islands, but 14 to 21 days would be suitable for those looking to experience local life.
Is Greek Island hopping worth it?
Yes, especially if you want to see the diversity on offer. While visiting just one island is great, seeing multiple provides a more authentic insight into local life. If booking various accommodations, transport and activities seems like a hassle, you could benefit from booking an island hopping tour.
Why Visit the Greek Islands?
Dowsed with bewildering beaches, tranquil sheltered bays, cave-carved towns and a mix of modern and old, the Greek islands boasts the trip of a lifetime.
Among all the monasteries, museums, authentic taverns and charming villages, you’re sure to fall in love with the Greek culture. With this 10-day Greek island itinerary you can create an unforgettable adventure. So, what are you waiting for?
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