Greece in 7 Days Itinerary – Spend a Perfect Week in Greece

If you want to see Greece in 7 days, this itinerary is perfect for you.

Greece has so much to offer that you can spend a month here and you will still miss out on many places. When we planned our trip, we had three weeks and were only able to see a fraction of the country. Out of all the places we would have liked to go to, we could choose only a handful.

If you only have one week in Greece, you need to be even more selective. You can find lots of Greece travel ideas online, but do you know which ones are worth visiting and which ones you should leave for a later trip?

That’s why we have put together this 7-days Greece itinerary. You’ll see some of the most exciting places on mainland Greece while still having enough time to visit some of the islands. You can even slightly adapt this tour to your interest, to make it more family-friendly or turn it into a Greece honeymoon itinerary.

And if you have more time or need to shorten your trip, we also have some ideas for you at the end of this article!

Greece in 7 days itinerary

Day 1 – Athens

If you do a bit of research, you will notice that most Greece travel itineraries start in Athens.

That’s because it’s not only a great city to visit, but also well-connected. Unless you live in a neighbouring country, the best way to travel to Greece is by plane. Athens is the country’s biggest airport, and you should have no problems finding flights.

Highlights of Athens:

• Acropolis: Start your 1-week Greece itinerary by visiting one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The Acropolis was once the heart of Ancient Athens, and it’s a great place to learn about Greek history. While walking around Athens, you might have already spotted the Parthenon, but the Acropolis is much bigger than that. Make sure to also walk around to the side to discover the ancient theatre.
• Acropolis Museum: Did you know that the Acropolis was once a colourful place? The Ancient Greeks painted their temples, and if you really want to know how the Parthenon and the other buildings once looked, you need to head to the Acropolis Museum. This is also a great chance to see all of the artefacts found at the Acropolis. Plus, the museum stands on top of another excavation site, and a glass floor allows you to see some of the buildings found underneath.
• Ancient Agora: Below the Acropolis, you can find the Ancient Agora. Back in the day, this was a marketplace and the heart of the city, where locals would gather as they went about their daily business. While not much remains of the market itself, the site is worth a visit for the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece.
• Plaka: Next to the Acropolis, you can find the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Plaka is famous for its narrow streets, restaurants and cafes. While here, check out Anafiotika, a tiny maze of streets and white-washed houses that almost makes you feel like you’re on a Greek island.

Make sure also to check out our separate blog post for a more complete overview of the best things to do in Athens in one day.

Where to stay in Athens

Since you have little time in Athens, we recommend staying close to the Acropolis. Both Plaka and Monastiraki are excellent neighbourhoods from where you can reach the city’s best sights on foot.

Summer is the high season in Greece, so if you’re visiting in July or August, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. We came in October and only booked three days before our arrival, and even then, many hotels were already taken.

Here are our favourite picks for Athens:

Mid-Range: We stayed at Evripidou Suites, within walking distance of the Acropolis. Our room was large, and the bed was by far the most comfortable we slept in during our three weeks in Greece. Plus, our stay included breakfast which we enjoyed on a rooftop terrace with a view of the Acropolis. If that sounds great, then you should check out availability and prices!

A little more comfort: Do you want to swim in a rooftop pool while enjoying a view of the Acropolis? Or would you rather enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace of your hotel while the sun sets behind Athens? At the Electra Metropolis, you can do both. The five-star hotel receives excellent reviews, and most rates even include breakfast! Click here to see photos and book your stay!

Budget: Hotels in Athens are not cheap, so if you’re on a budget, make sure to book your stay ahead. A good budget option is the Old Town Hall Suites and Apartments, where you can rent a studio with a small kitchen. The rooms are modern and amongst the best you can find in this price range, so make sure to check out prices and availability!

Day 2 – Peloponnese Day Trip

One of our favourite regions in Greece is the Peloponnese. You could easily spend a week or two on this peninsula without seeing everything! Since you have limited time, the best way to visit is on a day trip.

You can reach the Peloponnese within an hour from Athens. One of the best ways to see the region is to join a guided tour that takes you to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio. We did such a tour ourselves and really enjoyed it, so make sure to check it out!

As an alternative, you can get a rental car for a day. Rentalcars.com is a great website to compare rates from different companies to make sure you get the best deal.

The advantage of renting a car is that you’re more flexible. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that you’ll be going without a tour guide. If you’re planning on visiting any archaeological sites, you might not always have the chance to join a guided tour, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.

No matter what you decide to do, here are some highlights that you can easily check out on a day trip from Athens:

Highlights of the Peloponnese:

• Epidaurus: In our opinion, every itinerary for Greece should include some historical sights. You’ve already seen the Parthenon in Athens, but the archaeological site in Epidaurus is just as impressive. Epidaurus is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its colossal theatre. While here, make sure to try the acoustics, as they are truly amazing.
• Mycenae: The Mycenaeans were, as Daniel explained to me, the Greeks before the Ancient Greeks. They were one of the great Bronze Age cultures and built a city with a giant citadel earlier than 1000 BC. We highly recommend visiting for learning more about this fascinating culture.
• Nafplio: If you have a few extra days, we highly recommend staying overnight in Nafplio. Daniel and I spent some time here and loved it. But even if you just have a few hours, Nafplio is worth a visit for its cute Old Town, filled with restaurants, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops. Don’t miss climbing up to the Fortress of Palamidi, from where you have a fantastic view.
• Corinth Canal: At the Isthmus of the Peloponnese, you can find the Corinth Canal. Multiple rulers already suggested building a canal here, but it wasn’t completed until the late 1800s. This place is a great photo stop where you can watch the steep walls of the Canal from one of the bridges.

Day 3 – Day trip from Athens

For the third day of your 7-day Greece vacation, we have a few options depending on what you like.

You can either spend the day in Athens, exploring anything you haven’t had a chance to see on your first day. Daniel and I spent almost a week in Athens, and we guarantee you, you won’t be bored.

Visit some more archaeological sites, like the Roman Forum or Hadrian’s Library, for example. Or explore the bars and restaurants in Psyri.

If you’re looking for a great view, then we recommend climbing up Philopappou Hill or taking the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill.

Alternatively, you could also join a food tour and learn more about Greek food.

If you prefer to leave Athens, we have two suggestions for you.

Fantastic day trips from Athens:

• Visit Meteora: Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora was the highlight of our trip to Greece. These monasteries sit on top of rock columns, making for spectacular photo opportunities. From Athens, your best option is to join a guided tour to see all monasteries and even visit the inside of some of them. As an alternative, you can also grab a rental car and go on a road trip through Greece.
• Boat trip to Hydra: Do you find Athens too noisy and chaotic? Then you’ll enjoy a day trip to Hydra. Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands which you can easily reach by ferry. No cars are allowed on the island, and locals transport goods by donkeys, so it’s the perfect place to relax and slow down for the day. If you’re travelling in high season, you need to book your ferry ticket in advance, as Athens to Hydra is a very popular route and only has limited capacity available. As an alternative, you can also check out a guided tour that takes you to three Saronic islands in one day.

Day 4 – Paros

This morning, take a ferry to Paros, where you’re going to spend the next two nights.

Paros might not be as famous as Santorini or Mykonos, but we absolutely loved it. It’s just as picturesque as you imagine a Greek island, with white-washed houses and blue-domed churches.

If you’re travelling in summer (mid-June until mid-September), you should book your ferry ticket in advance. Multiple ferry companies travel between Athens and Paros, so the easiest way to compare prices is on a website like Directferries, where you can see all available options. Click here to check it out and book your ticket.

The ferry ride takes around three hours, and we recommend staying in Parikia for your first day.

Highlights of Parikia:

• Old Town: The Old Town of Parikia is a maze of white-washed houses and narrow alleyways. You can easily spend a few hours exploring it, stopping in the tiny shops and grabbing some Greek food in a restaurant. Don’t miss the Kastro, the remains of an ancient Venetian Castle which have become part of the local houses.
• Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani: I loved this church! It is not just a building but a complex of multiple chapels. Make sure to pay for the Museum of Byzantine Art, as the entry also grants you access to a baptistry from the 4th century.
• Archaeological Museum: If you want to learn more about the history of Paros, you should visit the Archaeological Museum. Here, you can find remains from various time periods and some from the Neolithic Period! You might notice that some of the artefacts here look very different from the ones you saw in Athens, which shows that there were cultural differences between mainland Greece and the islands even back in the day.

Where to stay in Paros

For this 7-days-in-Greece-itinerary, we recommend staying in Parikia. That way, you’ll be close to the ferry port, and you’ll be well-connected by bus.

Here are some hotels that you should check out:

Mid-Range: In the heart of Parikia’s Old Town, you can find the Argonauta Hotel. The rooms are light and beautifully designed, and you’re close to the port and the bus station. If your rate includes breakfast (it usually does), you can enjoy it on an outside terrace. Click here to see pictures and reviews!

A bit more comfort: Are you looking for a hotel with a pool? Then you should check out Paros Palace. The hotel also features a terrace from where you can enjoy the sunset. It is located slightly outside town, but you can easily get there with a shuttle bus. Check out prices and availability now!

Budget – Mid-Range: We stayed at the Aegean Village, which we highly recommend. The hotel consists of multiple small houses, and even though the accommodation was basic, it included a bedroom and a small kitchen. We had breakfast outside in their beautiful garden in the morning, underneath an orange tree. Click here to see prices and book your stay!

Day 5 – Paros

You’re more than halfway through your 7-day Greece itinerary, but you still have many highlights ahead of you.

This morning, take a bus to Naoussa, a small fishing village north of Parikia. Naoussa is one of the most beautiful towns we visited on our trip, and you can easily spend the whole day here. If the weather is nice, pack a swimsuit as you can visit a nearby beach.

Highlights of Naoussa:

• Old Town: Did you get lost in the Old Town of Parikia yesterday? Then prepare to get lost again today as you wander through the Old Town of Naoussa. The alleyways here are just as narrow, the houses are cute, and you’ll walk past many boutique shops and small cafes. It’s easy to explore and wander aimlessly for hours.
• Naoussa Port: The port is Naoussa’s most beautiful area. If you want to take perfect pictures of a Greek fishing village, you need to come here. The port is also great for having lunch, as you can find many restaurants in the area. Last, make sure to check out the Venetian Fortress at the entrance of the harbour.
• Kolymbithres Beach: If the weather is nice, you should consider spending some time at the beach. Close to Naoussa, you can find Kolymbithres Beach, where you can swim in crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach consists of multiple bays with rocky outcrops in between, so you’re guaranteed to find a spot you like.

Day 6 – Santorini

Today, take a ferry to Santorini. If you’re travelling in high season, remember to book your ferry tickets in advance! You can check which ferry companies operate on the Paros-Santorini (Thira) route on a website like Directferries, where you can directly compare prices and travel times.

Santorini is the most famous stop on your Greece itinerary. 7 days are not a very long time, but you have enough time to visit the famous blue-domed churches and explore the island.

We personally based ourselves in Oia, the most famous and touristy town on Santorini. It’s a great location because you don’t have to walk far for fantastic views, but it’s also much more expensive than the rest of the island. If you’re on a budget, consider staying in Fira instead.

No matter where you spend the night, we recommend that you use the rest of the day to explore Oia today.

Highlights of Oia:

• The 3 blue domes of Oia: If you walk towards the Caldera, it won’t take you long to find the famous 3 blue domes of Oia. Don’t stay on the main road but explore the side alleys, where you can enjoy different views of the domes. Just be aware that all of the photo spots are very busy, so you might need to queue to take pictures.
• Sunset view: We highly recommend staying in Oia for sunset. You can find multiple famous sunset viewpoints in this village, and you will need to arrive early for all of them. We found that the best view is from Oia Castle, where you can also see some windmills.
• Ammoudi Bay: Below Oia, you can find Ammoudi Bay. You have to walk down more than 200 steps to get here (and you’ll have to walk them back up later), but it’s a great place for eating fresh fish. Plus, you get a very different perspective of the Caldera from down here.

Where to stay in Santorini

Mid-Range (low season): We stayed at the Aethrio Sunset Village and absolutely loved it. You’ll stay in a traditional white-washed building, with a terrace in front of your room. The staff was friendly and very helpful in arranging airport transfers and excursions. We loved the pool, and we also loved the location. Aethrio Sunset Village is located in a small alley away from the main road. It’s quiet, and you can still reach the best sunset viewpoints within five minutes. Unfortunately, they require a minimum stay of three nights in summer, but if you’re travelling in low season (or if you’re staying three nights), this is a perfect option. Click here to see prices and availability!

Mid-Range (July/August): If you’re travelling in summer, and you want to stay in Oia (which we highly recommend), you should book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. A solid mid-range option is Laokasti Villas. You’ll have your own cute studio, complete with white walls, blue doors and a balcony or terrace. The hotel is at the end of Oia’s main pedestrian street, and after exploring the town, you can relax by the pool. Check out reviews and pictures now!

A bit more comfort: Do you want to stay in a hotel where you face the Caldera and have your own private jacuzzi? Then you should check out the Aspaki by Art Maisons. Imagine sitting in your hot tub and watching the sunset without having to battle the crowds. The standard rooms look great already, but if you want to go all out, get the Honeymoon Suite. To stay there, you don’t need to be on a honeymoon. This Greece itinerary is for everyone, and so is this fantastic suite. It comes with a hefty price tag, but if you want to learn more, you should check out the amazing pictures.

Budget: Santorini is a problematic island if you’re on a budget. Nevertheless, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy your stay here. Base yourself in Fira, where prices are much lower than in Oia. The Galatia Villas are just a 10-minutes walk from the Old Town of Fira, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Plus, you have a pool where you can cool down when it gets too hot. Click here to see prices and availability!

Day 7 – Santorini

Today is your last day, and we have a few suggestions on how to spend it.

Santorini has a lot to offer for everyone, no matter if you enjoy beaches, history or culture. You could head to Fira, for example, to explore the town and shop for souvenirs. Or you could take a bus to Akrotiri, an archaeological site which, we promise, is very different from anything you’ve seen so far.

If you want to relax for the day, you can head to one of the many beaches. Or you could go on a boat trip around the Caldera, where you get the chance to walk on a volcano and swim in hot springs. It’s up to you, and no matter what you choose, you’re going to have a great time.

Highlights of Santorini:

• Akrotiri: More than 3500 years ago, a Bronze Age culture built a city on Santorini. The houses were two stories high, and some even had toilets inside. Pretty advanced for that time, isn’t it? Back in the day, Santorini was a round island with a volcano in its middle. In the 16th century BC, that volcano exploded, throwing out ashes as far as Iceland. The centre of the island of Santorini sank, and the city of Akrotiri was covered under a few metres of volcanic ash. Similar to Pompeii, Akrotiri is exceptionally well preserved and well worth a visit. Make sure to join a guided tour, so you understand what you’re looking at.
• Fira: At times, Oia can feel very artificial. With so many tourists, restaurants and hotels, it doesn’t look as if anyone is living in this town anymore. That’s why we recommend going to Fira. Here, you can also enjoy fantastic Caldera views, plus you can find lots of great shops, restaurants and bars. Make sure to visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn more about the Akrotiri culture that once lived on the island.
• Caldera boat tour: If you want to spend a relaxing day, you should go on a boat tour. Sailing boats leave from the port every morning, and the tours include multiple stops. You get to walk on an active volcano, swim in hot springs and finally explore Thirassia. Daniel and I loved our tour and had a great time. Take a look to see photos of what to expect and book your boat ride.
• Catamaran Cruise: An alternative to the Caldera boat tour is a catamaran cruise. You will stop at two different beaches for swimming, and you can enjoy a barbeque for lunch. Sounds good? Then check out prices and reviews!

If you have more / less time

Do you have more than just one week? Or do you have less time?

Don’t worry. You can easily adapt this itinerary. Here are some suggestions:

Greece itinerary – 10 days

If you’re going on a 10-day trip to Greece, you can easily add one or two places to the itinerary above.

Our main recommendation is to go to Kalambaka and stay for at least one or two nights to see the Monasteries of Meteora. Meteora is one of the most beautiful places in the country, so make sure to come here.

On your way back to Athens, you could stop in Delphi for a night and properly explore the archaeological site.

If you prefer the Greek islands, stay in Hydra for a few nights and also extend your stay on Paros or Santorini. We prefer Paros, as it’s not as touristy and there are plenty of things to do, but the decision is up to you.

2-week Greece itinerary

Do you have an extra week? The itinerary ideas below can help you plan the perfect trip for your Greece vacation.

First of all, you should definitely add Meteora to your itinerary. Don’t come here on a day trip but stay for two nights, so you have a full day for exploring the monasteries. The region is also great for hiking if you want to stay a bit longer.

If you have two weeks in Greece, you should also add an overnight stay in Nafplio to your itinerary. This seaside town comes to life in the evening when all restaurants open and the Old Town lights up. From here, you can also easily plan a day trip to Sparta and Mystras, where you can visit the ruins of a Byzantine city.

One of the best road trips in Greece takes you across the Peloponnese, so you could add a few days to explore this region.

As an alternative, consider visiting another Greek island. You can easily add Naxos or Ios to this itinerary. Or how about Mykonos, one of the most famous Greek islands?

If you prefer to get away from the crowds, consider one of the lesser-known islands. Figuring out ferry connections might be more difficult, but it is usually well worth the effort.

5 days in Greece

This Greece 7-day itinerary is already a bit rushed, and we don’t recommend trying to visit everything in just five days. If you have limited time, you need to remove something from the itinerary.

Our recommendation would be to skip Santorini. The island is by far the most touristy place we visited in Greece, and we enjoyed Paros more.

If you want to see Santorini at all costs, consider spending only one day in Athens before leaving for Paros. You won’t see much of mainland Greece, and you will learn very little about the country’s history, but that’s the only way to see two islands in five days.

We hope we could help you with our 7-days Greece itinerary. The country has so much to offer that you could easily spend a month or two here without seeing everything, but we have picked some of the most beautiful places for you.

Make sure to also check out our other Greece content, which will help you plan your trip:

• Learn about the best things to do in Parikia, Paros
• How to hike to the Meteora Monasteria
• Find the best Paros Instagram spots
• Make the best out of your one day in Athens

Until your next adventure!

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