Are you planning a big trip to Greece this year? Then you’ve come to the right article, here you’ll find a carefully constructed plan to spend the best 10-day Greece itinerary.
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Greece has possibly one of the best combinations in the world between a gorgeous coastal country with a living museum. Not every country can say they have over 600 islands with thousands of beautiful and world-renowned beaches while having over 5000 of recorded history with many known civilizations leaving their imprint all around the country.
So you can confidently say that Greece is truly a unique place in the world, and that’s completely worth visiting at least once in your life. We assure you, you won’t regret spending 10 days there and you’ll likely leave wishing for more.
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Our 10-Day Itinerary to Greece
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, the heart of Greece
You’re finally in Greece, and more specifically, its beautiful capital Athens! Just leave your luggage at the hotel and let’s go, there are so many wonders to see in the city and you’ve got a full itinerary to follow. And while you’ll do have time to relax in their picturesque rooftop bars, there’s much walking to do if you want to visit the older part of town.
The Acropolis
These beautiful ruins were the center of the Greek civilization for millennia, and are now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walking through the ancient buildings you can imagine how was life there in the 5 century BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens.
The most iconic one is undoubtedly the Parthenon, the most famous temple in all of Greece. Is in this temple where the inhabitants of the city went to give tribute to Athena, their patron Goddess and protector of the city. There used to be a giant statue of the goddess, made of ivory and gold and about 12 meters tall. Unfortunately, it was lost or destroyed after it was relocated to Constantinople.
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Ancient Agora
Just a bit below the Acropolis, you’ll find the Agora. That was the true heart of the city, where people would gather to commerce or talk about politics. They would go to temples to ask favors from the gods as well, or simply do the shopping for the week.
Visit the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved not only in Athens but in all of Greece. From there you’ll have a wonderful view of both the Agora and the Acropolis. You can also visit the Bouleuterion, where the 500 members of the Athens Council met to make important decisions.
Lycabettus Hill
If you enjoy hiking this short trail will take you to the highest part of Athens, at almost 300 meters over the sea. If you want a fun fact, Greek people believed that the hill was formed when Athena accidentally dropped a rock she was carrying for the Acropolis.
From there you’ll get beautiful views of the city, the Aegean Sea, Mount Parnitha, and the Saint George Chapel. Aside from the views you can visit the Open-Air Theater, where maybe you can catch a concert or performance, and of course, there are restaurants and cafes where to have an excellent dinner.
Monastiraki Square
If you’re a bit tired of seeing the ruins of the old city, you better head back to modern Athens, equally as charming but full of people and bursting businesses. In Monastiraki Square, you’ll find a vibrant market where past and present collide. The ancient ruins are met with Byzantine churches and Ottoman influences, and complemented with modern amenities.
Enjoy the open-air market, even if it’s only your first day in Greece, don’t hesitate to buy some small souvenirs and definitely try some of the street food. If you’re feeling thirsty you can go to one of the Rooftop cafes to relax for a bit. Try the 360 Cocktail Bar for the best panoramic views of the Acropolis.
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Day 2: Day trip to Delphi, where the Gods talked
From Athens, you can plan a day trip to the beautiful city of Delphi. It’s only about 2-3 hours away and is an excellent place for history lovers and mythology enthusiasts alike. You can go either in a car of your own, public bus, or on an organized tour for more comfort.
Walk the Sacred Way
A great way to immerse yourself in the sacred spirit of the place is by taking the Sacred Way, the path that pilgrims, politicians, and athletes took before consulting the Oracle of Delphi. It starts at the main entrance of the Sanctuary and takes you along treasuries and statues to the Temple of Apollo. If you want to know, the treasuries were small structures like temples where each province stored its offerings to Apollo. The statues as well were gifts from important leaders to celebrate victories.
Inside the Temple of Apollo, visitors would be received by his priestess of Apollo, the Pythia. The Greeks believed she could communicate directly with Apollo and that he used her to deliver cryptic prophecies. So strong was their belief that these prophecies actually influenced major political and military decisions.
Explore the Archaeological Site of Delphi
The Archaeological Site of Delphi is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece you should definitely visit. This place was one of the most important centers for the Greek religion and culture. One of the most important buildings was the Temple of Apollo, of which you’ve already read a bit. But aside from this, you have the Ancient Theater and the Stadium of Delphi, two astounding structures able to hold around 5000 spectators. That’s where the Pythian Games took place, both the musical and performance as well as the athletic events.
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Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
Located just below the Sanctuary of Apollo, you’ll find the Sanctuary dedicated to Athena. The name Pronaia, means “before the temple”, as the Sanctuary was the first thing visitors from the East encountered while approaching Delphi. If you’re searching for a good spot for great photos try the Tholos. This structure is quite elegant, with its 20 Doric columns around 10 Corinthian columns. It’s a beautiful place, and the most photographed ruin, although its original purpose is still debated.
Day 3: Visit Hydra, where time stands still
Another great day trip from Athens! Hydra is one of the most charming islands in the whole country. There you’ll find elegant stone mansions and a vibrant harbor life, complimented by the pure air of the Sea and the lack of cars on the island. To get there you can either book a private boat tour or use the ferry, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour or two to get to Hydra.
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Stroll the harbor
Take some time to stretch your legs and let’s get to know the island a bit better. The harbor is the most popular and crowded place on the whole island, understandably with all the boats that come from and to the island, and the lovely cafes you’ll find.
There are some interesting places you can visit there, mainly the Hydra Historical Archives Museum, filled with the island’s naval artifacts and some paintings, and the Hydra Merchant Marine Academy, still active and training naval officers to this day. For a more complete experience, you can visit one of the fresh seafood establishments, like the Ostria Tavern. And if you can stay late in the harbor, it is the best place to watch the sunset at the end of the day.
Visit Historical Mansions
The island is famous for its elegant and striking mansions. Just by looking at them, we can infer about the rich past and wealth some captains and shipowners obtained in the 18th and 19th Centuries. And these houses actually became a symbol of power during Greece’s War of Independence.
The most famous of these mansions is the Mansion of Lazaros Koundouriotis, which is today a museum. It’s one of the best preserved, and it belonged to the wealthy family Koundouriotis who were quite important in politics during the war. Inside you’ll find authentic furniture and domestic utensils of the time, as well as many letters from Lazaros himself.
Swim at Spilia Beach
If you want to enjoy the warm water, don’t forget to pack your swimwear into your daypack and head to Spilia Beach. It’s a mere 5 minutes away from the harbor, so you don’t have an excuse. Just don’t expect a sandy beach, as Spilia is part of the rocky coastline. Nonetheless, you’ll find crystal clear waters inviting you to plump into them. After you tire yourself from swimming, the best is to go to the Spilia Beach Bar, to enjoy some drinks with amazing sea views.
Photo by Mauricio Muñoz on Unsplash
Day 4-5: Peloponnese, Coastal Beauty and Ancient Ruins
Directly from Athens, it should take you about 2 hours to get to Nafplio. There you can establish a new base for your explorations, since a single day won’t be enough for this beautiful region. While you can get there via a bus or an organized tour, is better if you get your own car. That way you can explore all the nearby attractions at your own pace.
Nafplio
Nafplio is popularly known as the Prettiest Town of Greece, and it really is. With its neoclassical architecture and all its history. If you are curious to know a bit about it, you should know that it was the first capital of modern Greece, between 1828 and 1834, before Athens was chosen once again.
Between its main attractions, you can find the Palamidi Fortress, an incredible Venetian castle perched on a hill above the city. If you want to enter this fortress you’ll have to drive up to the entrance or take the 999 steps up the hill to reach it. If you just want to take a leisure stroll, you can walk by Syntagma Square, where you can admire beautiful buildings and sit down for a nice snack in a local cafe.
Epidaurus
Just a half hour from Nafplio, you’ll find Epidaurus, a famous city mainly known for its ancient theater and the Asclepius Sanctuary. This theater is not only one of the best-preserved theaters of Ancient Greece, but it’s also a masterpiece for its excellent acoustics. In fact, it is still used today, especially for recreations of ancient Plays, so if you travel during the summer, keep an eye out for the Epidaurus Festival.
If you’re familiar with the history of medicine, you might have heard the name Asclepius. He was the god of healing and medicine, and his symbol, the staff with a serpent coiled around is still widely recognizable and used in modern medicine. In his Sanctuary you’ll find the ruins of a healing center, with a dedicated temple and a sacred spring.
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Monemvasia
Also called the “Gibraltar of the East”, Monemvasia is a fortified town on the South Coast of the Peloponnese. As far as Greek cities go, are not that old, being funded in the 6th Century CE. And like many others it’s actually constructed on an island, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The name reflects this, literally meaning “one entrance”.
Among the top places to visit, there is the Fortress and Upper Town, where the original medieval fortress used to stand and with incredible views of the rest of the city. If you love history you can’t skip the Archaeological Museum of Monemvasia and the Church or Elkomenos Christos, to get a better idea of all the periods the city has lived through.
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You’ve probably tasted a lot of local delights by now, and if you like a good wine with an extensive history you should try the Malvasia wine. This sweet white wine is tied tightly to the region and it was one of the main exports of the city for centuries. If you want the perfect place to try it visit the Monemvasia Winery, for a tour accompanied by wine tasting.
Day 6-7: Crete, great beaches and ancient myths
You would want more than one day in Crete, not only because it is a bit far from Nafplio but also because there’s so much to see. To get there you have two main options. To stay budget-friendly take a bus or car to the Piraeus Port and then take the ferry to Crete. This will take you around 9-11 hours in total even in the high-speed ferries. Or, if you prefer comfort even at a higher price, you can ride all the way back to Athens and take a flight. That way you can be in Crete in under 3 hours!
Knossos Palace
If you’re familiar with Greek history you might have already heard of the Minoan Civilization, one of the earliest established in Greece. Even if you’ve not heard that name specifically, the story of the Cretan King Minos who had a giant labyrinth made to hide the terrible Minotaur is still quite popular today, and the Knossos Palace is tightly linked to this myth.
According to the legend, the labyrinth was constructed under the palace, by the mythical architect Daedalus, Icarus’s father. Of course, there hasn’t been found any labyrinth there, or evidence of one, but there might be some inspiration in the Palace itself. For one, it was immense, and getting lost in a multi-story complex, with intricate corridors and a whooping 1300 rooms seemed plausible enough. There’s also the cavern system near the palace, like the Gortyn and the Skotino caves, both with deep tunnels and chambers.
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Chania Old Town
One of the most visited cities in all Crete. Here you’ll find an authentic architectural gem with Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. It offers a nice contrast with the sober palace, with its picturesque harbor, narrow alleys, and vibrant atmosphere.
You can visit the Venetian Harbor, where you can see one of the oldest lighthouses in the Mediterranean, or the Ottoman and Jewish Quarters, to get a better idea of how all those different cultures contributed to the city. And if you get tired of walking just rest for a bit in one of the many taverns in the harbor and enjoy some good local Raki or Cretan wine. If you don’t like alcohol for any reason then try the soumada, a unique almond drink popular in the area.
Samaria Gorge
You’ll probably want a bit of fresh air after that incredible palace and beautiful city, so why not explore one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the region? We’re talking about the Samaria Gorge of course. It’s actually quite famous for being the longest in all of Europe, with over 16 km, passing through the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea.
It is a beautiful sight, with its towering limestone cliffs and lush forest and you can hike it in its integrity! It’s not a complex hike, being mostly downhill with good terrain, but it is a long one and it can be difficult if you don’t have the stamina. So maybe, if you’re not that fit, just explore the outer parts of the trail and then go back.
Elafonisi Beach
If you don’t like swimming on a rocky beach in Hydra, here’s a lovely sand beach for you. Except is not your regular white soft sand, but pink. This unique color comes from crushed seashells and corals, so it’s also a great beach if you like to recollect little trinkets and natural souvenirs.
If you want to explore a bit you can walk to the Elafonissi Islet. Don’t worry, the water is shallow on this beach, hardly going over your knee, so it’s perfect for families with small children.
Day 8-9: Santorini, Sunset and Sailing
After staying a couple of days in Crete, Santorini is the perfect place to relax a bit while getting to know more about the Minoan civilization. The most popular way to get there is via ferry. With a regular one, it will take you around 4-6 hours, while with the high-speed ferries, you can make it in less than 3 hours. Going by plane is technically possible, but since there’s not a direct flight you’ll have to make the trip Crete-Athens and Athens-Santorini. Which is kinda crazy and an excellent way to throw away your money. So just be patient and take the ferry.
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Oia Village
While the name might be a bit difficult to pronounce (it’s “ee-ah”) this is one of the most famous and picturesque villages in Santorini. It has a great representation of the whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches most people think of when they try to imagine a coastal Greek city.
There’s a unique feeling you’ll get when traversing their cobblestone streets, with all those white buildings almost glowing under the intense sun of the Mediterranean. It’s like jumping to an older time, a simpler time when life just wasn’t as frantic as it is today. To enjoy a bit more of that feeling, visit the Oia Castle. This construction was originally made in the 15th Century as a fortress, but nowadays is the best spot for tourists to take photographs and see spectacular sunsets.
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Hike from Oia to Fira
If you’re enjoying the island breeze and the purity of the air you’ll love the hike from Oia to Fira. It might be a bit long, with a total of 12 km, but it is so worth it. Alongside the trail, you’ll get to admire the dramatic caldera edge of the island, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea with all its volcanic islands and little villages.
The trail starts in Oia, in the North part of the island, and takes you all the way to Fira in the South, the Capital of the Island. It’s long, but mostly downhill, so it shouldn’t be much difficult. Just make sure you have water, sunscreen, and enough snacks with you before starting.
Catamaran Cruise
If you did that hike then you saw a great part of the island, but how about enjoying it directly from the sea? There are two main modalities of the Catamaran tour, both with their own charms. The Sunset and the Daylight, and you can schedule both with Sailing Santorini.
The Sunset Catamaran Cruise is by far the most popular, and it’s easy to understand after you see one sunset in Santorini. They usually last the whole afternoon, so you’ll have time to sail along the islands and do some swimming or even snorkeling before you go back to the main island to see the sun setting.
The Daytime Catamaran Cruise is excellent for further exploring Santorini, as well as other volcanic islands. You can visit the volcanic crater Nea Kameki and Palea Kameki, and relax in the hot springs. It usually will take you also to Red Beach and White Beach, to enjoy a bit of the sun and warm water before lunch.
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Day 10: Return to Athens and back home
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Greece after this wonderful 10-day itinerary. From Santorini you have two options, getting a flight to Athens or going by ferry. The flight is the fastest of the two of them, with less than an hour, so it will give you more time to spend in Athens before your trip home. But, if you want to take the scenic route, you can go all the way to the main port in Athens by ferry. The trip will take about 5 hours on a high-speed ferry and about 7-8 hours on a regular old ferry.
Once in Athens, if you have some time left, maybe take a last coffee, or visit a museum. Maybe just take a last stroll through the city. It’s normal to feel a bit sad. You’ve just spent 10 days in Greece, one of the most beautiful and historical countries in the world. But life has to continue, time’s arrow neither stops nor reverses.
Travel Tips for Your Greece itinerary
Check if you need a Visa: If you’re from the U.S., the UK, or the European Union you can go in and out as much as you want to, but other countries may have other requirements.
Learn some basic phrases: You don’t have to give a conference in Greek, but it would be nice to be able to say at least “hello”, “please” and “thank you”.
Stay connected throughout your Greece itinerary
With so many days in Greece, you’ll need a reliable way to stay connected with the rest of the world, especially during the long ferry roads to the islands. For all your internet and data needs, you have Yoho Mobile here to help! Check their excellent data plans and use the promo code YOHO12 for 12% off.
How many days do you need in Greece?
Greece has so much to see that it’s hard to plan a short trip. Even if you only visit Athens and one or two islands it will take you around 3 to 5 days, and there would be so much you’ll lose with that itinerary.
If you prefer a more balanced trip anything between 7 and 10 days will let you get a good general idea of Greece, with enough time to explore the main cities of your choice, relax at the beach, and do some long hikes. Of course, if you have the time or the money you can spend so much more, and actually visit every single island as well as more inland cities.
Pack like a Pro for your Greece itinerary
Apart from the essentials, like documents and money, you’ll need to think about a few things. Like clothes, for example. You’re going for a 10-day Greece itinerary after all.
As a general rule, whether you go in spring, summer, or fall, choose lightweight and breathable clothes. For footwear go for the most comfortable pair of sneakers and sandals you have, since you’re likely gonna walk a lot in Greece. Of course, you’ll want to take your nice sunshades and sunscreen, for the long hours outdoors, and a good book to read in the long ferry rides.
When to Go to Greece?
It depends on what you’re looking to do. If you want to enjoy the beaches, bars, and parties, summer is the time to go. But if you prefer visiting ruins and experiencing the quieter side of Greece, spring or autumn would be better. Check out this complete guide for more details.
Taste Greece
It would be a waste traveling so far and not trying as many dishes as you could, wouldn’t it? So go ahead and taste all the marvels that Greece has to offer, the delicious and fresh flavor of their many dishes. For the traditional, we suggest the moussaka, a sort of casserole with eggplant minced meat and bechamel, as well as the souvlaki and gyros, grilled or rotisserie meat accompanied by pita bread and veggies.
For non-alcoholic drinks, you can try the mountain tea, an herbal infusion made with various herbs, and if you prefer an alcoholic option try the ouzo, similar to the absinthe but with anise.
How to Get Around Greece
It depends on your budget as well as the flexibility you want in during your trip. Greece has a pretty well-connected transportation system, so you can rely on public transport like ferries and buses. For the ferries, it’s best to book them in advance, you can do so in FerryHopper, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. For longer distances, you can use domestic flights, which can be a bit more expensive but will take you to your destination in good time. For the mainland, you can also rent a car, that way you can traverse some of the bigger cities at your own pace.