One Week in Greece: The Best 7-Day Itinerary for First-Timers

Plan out a one week itinerary for Greece to see the highlights of this beautiful and historic country.

Greece is a dream destination for so many travelers. The real question is how do you plan just one week in Greece when there are so many amazing places to visit?? Well, here is the best way to see the highlights of Greece, in just one week!

To take in all of the wonders of Greece, you will need to be selective on where you visit. I personally recommend a tour of three key areas for first time visitors: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Here you’ll experience the Greek culture, learn some of the history, and experience the beauty and relaxation of a vacation, all in just a one week itinerary in Greece.

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Is One Week in Greece Enough?

One week in Greece is absolutely enough for a first visit, if you’re strategic about it. Greece has hundreds of islands and dozens of mainland destinations, so the key is resisting the urge to do too much. The Athens, Santorini, Mykonos route covered in this itinerary gives you a complete first experience: ancient history, iconic islands, beach time, and great food, without spending half your trip on ferries.

If you have more time (10–14 days), you can add destinations like Crete (the largest island, with incredible beaches and Minoan ruins), Rhodes (medieval old town), or Thessaloniki (Greece’s second city, with incredible food). But for a first visit? One week hits the highlights beautifully.

Best Time to Visit Greece

Season	Months	Weather	Crowds	Cost
Spring (Best)	April–June	Warm, sunny, 68 – 82°F (20–28°C)	Low–Medium	Medium
Summer	July–August	Hot,  86–100°F (30–38°C)	Very High	High
Fall (Best)	September–October	Warm, sunny, 72–86°F (22–30°C)	Medium	Medium
Winter	November–March	Mild, some rain	Very Low	Low

May to June and September to October give you warm, beach-worthy weather, manageable crowds, and prices that haven’t hit their July peak. If you’re visiting Santorini specifically, late September is arguably the best time. This is when the summer crowds have thinned but the weather is still gorgeous and the sea is warm.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid the last two weeks of July and first two weeks of August. They are the absolute peak season. Santorini and Mykonos become extremely crowded, prices spike, and the heat can be intense.

How to Get Around Greece: Transport Guide

Getting around Greece is easier than most people expect. Here’s your main options:

Domestic Flights (Fastest)

Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both run frequent routes between Athens and the islands. Athens to Santorini takes about 45 minutes. Athens to Mykonos is about 35 minutes. Book on the airline websites directly for the best prices. Fares range from €50–150 each way depending on how early you book.

• Athens to Santorini: ~45 min flight
• Santorini to Mykonos: ~30 min flight OR 2–3 hour high-speed ferry
• Mykonos to Athens: ~35 min flight

High-Speed Ferries (Most Scenic)

Hellenic Seaways, SeaJets, and Golden Star Ferries run high-speed catamarans between islands. Athens to Santorini takes about 5 hours by fast ferry from Piraeus Port. The Santorini–Mykonos route is around 2–3 hours. Book on Ferryhopper.com or directly with the ferry operator.

Slow Ferries (Budget Option)

If budget is a priority and you’re not rushing, overnight slow ferries are cheap and kind of fun. Athens to Santorini runs about 8–9 hours overnight. Not for everyone, but a memorable experience.

Pro Tip: For this one-week itinerary, flying between Santorini and Mykonos saves the most time. Take the ferry if you enjoy the journey itself or want to save money.

Day 1: Travel Day to Athens

Almost every trip to Greece starts in Athens. It offers the largest international airport in the country and is the main gateway to the country. You may arrive at any time day or night, and depending where you are traveling from, you could be facing have some serious jet lag.

I recommend taking your first day to settle into Athens and then hit the ground running on Day 2. This could include meandering through the streets of Athens, visiting some of the amazing cafes or markets, or even starting to explore the highlights of the city.

If you’re arriving late but want to start exploring immediately, consider taking a nighttime tour. You’ll get a great introduction to the city and be able to admire it in a totally different light as you see the sights all lit up!

2 Nights in Athens: Hotel Recommendations

With just 2 nights in Athens, you’ll want to stay central so that you can walk almost everywhere. Here are some recommended central accommodations to look into, based on your budget.

• Best Hostels: Athens Backpackers | Thanasis Place | Athens Hub Hostel
• Best Budget Hotels: Selina Athens Theatrou | Pella Inn Hostel | Kimon Hotel Athens
• Best Mid-range Hotels: Urban Frame Hotel | Emporikon Athens Hotel | Athens Utopia Ermou
• Best Luxury Hotels: Hotel Grande Bretagne | King George Hotel | Athens Ikon

Learn how to get over jet lag quickly.

Day 2: Take in the Rich History of Athens

While Athens is the capital city of Greece, it is easy to explore the top sights in just one day. It will lead to a busy day, but you’ll be able to capture the rich history of Athens which makes the city famous, and even a bit more!

To see Athens in a day, start the day early at the Acropolis and Parthenon. It is least crowded first thing in the morning, and you can buy your Acropolis ticket ahead to beat the line! Or, if you want to learn more about the history, join a tour of the Acropolis.

Then join a free walking tour to see the top sights and learn more about the city. Round out the day with a visit to the local markets or a street food tasting tour. Explore the Acropolis Museum. Wind down the day by grabbing drinks and dinner at a restaurant with views of the Acropolis where you can watch the sunset over this beautiful part of Greek history.

Get the full itinerary for 1 day in Athens.

Day 3: Travel to Santorini & Enjoy Sunset in Oia

Santorini is one of the most famous islands in the world. It is so picturesque with its white washed buildings, blue domes, and cobblestone streets. You will instantly fall in love with it. Depending how you travel from Athens to Santorini, you may have a lot of the day to explore Santorini.

If that’s the case, I recommend heading straight to Oia, the most touristy part of the island, to wander through the stunning white alleys, and really start to take in the atmosphere of the Greek Isles. Then, settle in for sunset overlooking the Aegean Sea in Oia. It’s a sight that will stick with you for years to come.

Find everything you need to know about Santorini as a first time visitor.

How to Get from Athens to Santorini

There are two main ways to get from Athens to Santorini: Ferry or Plane. With only 7 days in Greece, you may want to take the faster option of flying. The flight is only 40 minutes while the ferry can take 8 hours. The cost of both options start at just 40 euros and go up – just book early to get the best deals!

Search flights on Skyscanner or check out the ferry on Ferryhopper.com.

3 Nights in Santorini: Hotel Recommendations

With just three nights in Santorini, where you stay makes a difference. The three best areas to stay in are:

1. Oia: The most expensive and touristy
2. Fira: Central but affordable
3. Perissa: The most affordable option but a little further away

I personally recommend staying in Fira. You’ll be close to it all but able to stay within a reasonable budget. Not to mention Fira town is very picturesque itself! Here are the top picks for accommodations in Fira.

• Best Hostels: Bedspot Hostel
• Best Budget Hotels: Loizos Stylish Residences
• Best Mid-range Hotels: Callia Retreat Suites – Adults only
• Best Luxury Hotels: Revelis Villa & Canava

Learn more about luxury hotels in Oia and where to stay in Fira and Perissa.

Day 4: Enjoy a Leisurely Day around Santorini

It’s time to soak up the true culture of Santorini. Hike from Fira to Oia. Relax at a pool or on a beach. Go wine tasting at the local Greek wineries. Sip a cocktail overlooking the beautiful scenery of the island and Aegean Sea. Take a catamaran cruise around the island. Try horseback riding on the black sand beaches.

This is the day to take your time and truly enjoy the vacation time you have. Hit up happy hour. Visit the windmills. Stop at a hot spring. Catch sunset again in Oia or take a sunset cruise. Santorini will knock you off your feet when given the chance!

Check out the best things to do in Santorini to determine which of the many activities the island offers are of most interest to you.

Read about the top 25 things to do in Santorini.

Day 5: Explore Santorini by ATV

With one more day in Santorini, get off the beaten path by renting an ATV and heading out to the far reaches of the island. Visit the Red Sand Beach, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, and more.

The adventures that await you on your ATV are plentiful. You’ll have full freedom to see any part of the island you wish. It’s the best way to visit the small towns and sights situated around the island.

Get all the details you need to rent and explore Santorini by ATV.

Day 6: Head to Mykonos & Visit Mykonos Town

Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to Santorini and head on to your last destination on your Greek itinerary for one week: The Island of Mykonos. You’ll want to make the move first thing in the morning to maximize your day.

Upon arrival, you’ll discover that Mykonos is both a beautiful Greek island and a party island. To make the most of your day in Mykonos, head into Mykonos Town to be greeted by the traditional white washed buildings with blue accents. Get lost in the classic Greek alleys. Check out the shops. Settle into a quaint restaurant. Admire the sunset from town or head out on a sunset cruise.

Alternatively, hit the ground running with a half-day city walking tour and island bus tour or opt to visit the vineyards of Mykonos to taste the local food and wine.

How to Get from Santorini to Mykonos

First thing in the morning travel from Santorini to Mykonos. There are two ways to do this, by ferry and by flight. The ferry will only take 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs 30+ euros. It’s the best way to get from Santorini to Mykonos.

The other option to get to Mykonos from Santorini is to fly. While the flight is only 60 – 90 minutes, the added time needed at the airport will make it about a wash in terms of ferry vs. flight.

Check the ferry schedule on Ferryhopper.com.

2 Nights in Mykonos: Hotel Recommendations

With only 2 nights in Mykonos, I recommend staying close to the center of the city so that most of the sights are within walking distance. Or, alternatively, you can stay near one of the beaches. Here are some recommended accommodation options to explore:

• Best Hostels: MyCocoon Hostel | Eleanna’s | Paraga Beach Hostel
• Best Budget Hotels: Matogianni Hotel | Carbonaki Hotel | Lefteris
• Best Mid-range Hotels: Poseidon Hotel Suites | Arcs Boutique Villa Hotel | My Aktis
• Best Luxury Hotels: Rocabella Mykonos Hotel | Apanema Resort | Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort

However, if you’re coming to Mykonos looking to party all night, I recommend staying at Paraga Beach Hostel. You’ll be close to the clubs and also be able to party all day at a beautiful pool overlooking the beach.

Find out what Mykonos is really like.

Day 7: Visit the Beaches and Sights of Mykonos

With a full day to explore Mykonos, it’s time to venture out to the picturesque beaches that the island is known for. Check out Paradise Beach and Sunset Beach, two of the most popular beaches on the island. Or, visit the slightly less popular Paraga Beach and Agrari Beach for a similarly stunning beach and less crowded experience.

Plan to beach hop, or plan ahead and pre-book your sunbed at a beach bar to ensure you have prime location to soak up the sun. Concerned about transportation, you can take a beach hopping tour instead! If you’re not a beach person, instead check out the far reaches of the island on an authentic Mykonos tour or take a Greek cooking class to learn authentic recipes.

After spending some time relaxing, head to check out more of the sights and culture in town. Or, if the party scene is for you, start with some drinks and plan to spend a late late night out at the bars and clubs. Mykonos offers some top notch clubs and world famous DJs, particularly in the summer. Not to mention your one week in Greece is coming to an end. Make the most of it!

Day 8: Time to Fly Home

Unfortunately, your 7 days in Greece will come to an end. It’s time to shed a tear, and board your flight home with all of the wonderful memories you’ve made. To get home, you will likely need to return to Athens first, and then fly out of the Athens International Airport.

How to Get from Mykonos to Athens

Again your two options for transportation will be ferry or flight. Ferries can be as short as 2.5 hours or as long as 5 hours, depending which ferry you select. Cost typically ranges from 20 – 60 euros. Blue Star Ferry is the cheapest ferry, while SeaJets is the fastest. A flight will only take 40 minutes and can be as inexpensive as a ferry, if you book in advance.

Which option you choose should not only depend on the length of time or cost, but also when you are flying out of Athens. It may be better to fly from Mykonos to Athens, and then wait for your international flight at the Athens Airport. With the Athens International Airport almost 35 minutes outside of the city center, you’ll save on time and the cost of intracity transportation.

Check the ferry schedule on Ferryhopper.com.

How Much Does One Week in Greece Cost?

Greece is not a budget destination, especially the islands. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Accommodation (per night, per room):

• Budget hostel/guesthouse: €50–80
• Mid-range hotel: €120–200
• Luxury/cave hotel in Oia, Santorini: €300–800+

Food (per person, per day):

• Budget (bakeries, street food, self-catering): €20–30
• Mid-range (sit-down restaurants, tavernas): €40–60
• Upscale dining: €80+

Activities:

• Acropolis combo ticket (Athens): €40
• ATV rental in Santorini (full day): €25–40
• Boat tour around Santorini caldera: €30–80
• Most beaches: Free

Transport between islands:

• Domestic flights: €50–150 each way
• High-speed ferry: €30–80 each way

Total budget estimate for one week (per person):

• Budget traveler: €800–1,200
• Mid-range: €1,500–2,500
• Comfortable/luxury: €3,000–6,000+

Make Your One Week in Greece Affordable

While Greece is not a “budget destination”, it does not have to break the bank. You can find affordable food and accommodation, particularly if you visit in the shoulder or off-season.

Here are a few money-saving tips:

• Book flights and ferries at least 6–8 weeks ahead
• Stay in Fira or Perissa rather than Oia in Santorini (same island, significantly cheaper)
• Eat at bakeries and local spots rather than caldera-view restaurants (you pay for the view)
• Visit in May, early June, or September rather than July–August

Another option, if your budget is tight is to spend longer in each destination. It’s one of the best ways to stretch your budget in Greece as it saves money on transportation. (The ferries and flights between islands can add up.)

Find 16 useful money saving tips for your time in Greece.

Alternative Routes: Beyond Athens, Santorini & Mykonos

The Athens to Santorini to Mykonos circuit is the classic first-timer route for good reason. But it’s not the only option. If you’ve already done the classics or want something different, consider these alternatives:

• For beach lovers: Replace Mykonos with Paros. It’s quieter, more authentic, with beautiful beaches and a lower price tag than Mykonos.

• For history buffs: Add Delphi or Nafplio as a day trip or overnight from Athens before heading to the islands. These mainland sites are spectacular and far less visited.

• For longer stays: Add Crete as a 3–4 day addition. It’s Greece’s largest island and could fill an entire week on its own with ancient Minoan ruins, the Samaria Gorge hike, and endless gorgeous beaches.

• For fewer tourists: Swap Mykonos for Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, with the best beaches in the group, great local food, and a fraction of Mykonos’s crowds and prices.

What to Pack for One Week in Greece

Greece is a warm-weather, island-hopping destination. Here’s what you actually need:

• Lightweight clothing: Linen or moisture-wicking fabrics work best. Greeks dress stylishly so smart casual goes a long way.
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on cobblestones. Sneakers or walking sandals are great for Athens.
• Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
• A light layer: Evenings on the islands can be breezy, especially in spring and fall.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: Please. The caldera water is stunning and worth protecting.
• A small day bag: Backpack or crossbody for day trips and sightseeing.
• Portable charger: Long ferry rides and beach days drain phones fast.
• Modest cover-up: Required for entering Orthodox churches and some monasteries.

For a deeper dive into what to pack, check out my recommended travel gear.

Frequently Asked Questions: One Week in Greece

Plan More of Your Time in Greece

Planning your one week itinerary for Greece can be stressful. Hopefully you have a better idea of how to spend your time to explore this beautiful country and its prime destinations.

Looking for more information to help plan out your Greek itinerary? Check out these posts:

• Where to Stay in Santorini: Oia, Fira, Imerovigli or Perissa?
• Santorini vs. Mykonos: Which Greek Island Is Actually Worth It?
• One Week in Greece: The Best 7-Day Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Athens: The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
• What is Mykonos Really Like? Guide for First-Timers Who aren’t Sure
• 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Oia, Santorini: Where to Stay
• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Santorini: Travel Guide for First Timers
• 25 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece
• 16 Money Saving Tips for Santorini: Visiting Santorini on a Budget
• 6 Best Day Trips from Athens, Greece: Ruins, Islands, History, & More!

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