Greece 10-Day Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Dream Vacation

Planning a 10-day itinerary to Greece? You’re going to enjoy this! Greece is ideal for tourists looking for a blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty because of its breathtaking beaches, historic sites, beautiful towns, and delicious cuisine. With so many amazing locations to explore, planning the ideal Greece itinerary might be difficult, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. The information given in this article will walk you through a 10-day itinerary covering the must-see attractions, lesser-known places, and everything in between in Greece. Join us on the trip!

Day 1-2: Athens

Our Itinerary in Greece starts in Athens. That city is the historically rich capital of Greece. Upon your arrival, you can start exploring the vivid city center. Wander around Monastiraki and Thission. Sip a cold coffee – the locals love it – and look at the beautiful landscape where ancient architecture is combined with modernity. Moreover, you can taste authentic Greek food at a rooftop restaurant in the evening while viewing the illuminated Acropolis. Taste traditional dishes such as fresh Greek salads, moussaka, and souvlaki. Athens offers an experience of the local culture that will make you understand why Greece is such a unique place.

Curious about Athens and all it has to offer? Our Ultimate Athens Travel Guide is the perfect companion for your next adventure. We’ve got you covered, from ancient ruins to vibrant nightlife.

How Many Days in Athens?

Considering the fact that you have a 10 day itinerary in Greece, spending two days in Athens is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s historical sites and famous neighborhoods. You’ll have the time to try amazing food too without feeling rushed.

What to Do in Athens

• Acropolis & Parthenon: Your starting point is one of the greatest landmarks of Western civilization. Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located atop of a hill in the city center. From that place you can also have an overlook of the city. Don’t miss the Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• Acropolis Museum: Learn more about the history of the Acropolis by exploring the impressive collections at the Acropolis Museum. 
• Plaka & Monastiraki: These are two of the most famous neighborhoods of Athens. Plaka is full of narrow streets with colorful buildings, cafes, and local shops. Monastiraki is also a great area for shopping and grabbing some traditional Greek street food.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus: Explore the remains of one of the largest ancient temples in Greece.
• Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard: Head to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the Hellenic Parliament.

Learn more about things to do in Athens in 48 hours.

Day 3-4: Santorini

Since you’ve left Athens behind, it is time to spend the following days of the itinerary in Greece, island-hopping. Our first destination is Santorini, one of the most famous islands in the world. You can arrive at Santorini either by plane or ferry. Upon your arrival get ready to be speechless with the island’s whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and romantic sunsets. Visit the two well-known villages of Oia and Fira throughout the day, and walk through their winding alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. 

Things to Do in Santorini

• Oia Sunset: Watching the sunset in Oia is a must since it is one the best sunsets in Greece. Find a good spot early, since it is a very crowded place. From there you can see the sun dive in the sea, and the sky will change a palette of colors. 
• Fira to Oia Hike: Walk along the caldera’s edge. It is a beautiful walk with stunning views of the sea and the island’s unique volcanic landscape.
• Red Beach & Perissa Beach: These are two unique volcanic beaches. The scenery of the first is constructed by red cliffs, while on Perissa Beach, there is black sand due to the volcano. 
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site: Akrotiri used to be a Minoan city. Thousands of years ago, this place was buried in volcanic ash.
• Wine Tasting: Of course, you cannot visit Santorini, without tasting its excellent wines. There are local wineries that offer wine tours and tastings. Don’t skip the famous Assyrtiko and Thalassitis. 

Day 5-6: Mykonos

Take a quick ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, an island renowned for its exciting nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and party vibe. Any itinerary to Greece would benefit from visiting Mykonos, especially for those who enjoy a little fun mixed in with rest. Enjoy lazy days in Paradise, Super Paradise, or Psarou stunning beaches. Mykonos Town is a great place for a nighttime walk because of its famous windmills, small lanes, and whitewashed houses.

Things to Do in Mykonos

• Explore Mykonos Town (Chora): Chora of Mykonos is full of white-washed buildings and narrow streets. If you walk through the city you will find many shops and boutiques.
• Little Venice: It is a neighborhood with colorful buildings just in front of the sea. There you will find bars and restaurants. This beautiful landscape is ideal for a dinner. 
• Windmills of Mykonos: The emblem of the island is its windmills. You can take some photos of the island’s iconic 16th-century windmills that overlook Mykonos Town.
• Beaches: Spend the day at popular beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise for beach clubs full of party people. If you are in the mood for quieter beaches, then you should visit Agios Sostis or Elia for relaxation.
• Archaeological Museum of Mykonos: Learn about the island’s history and ancient artifacts.

Day 7-8: Paros

Greek village of Naousa, Paros island, Greece

Paros is a famous destination in the Cyclades that combines relaxation and night-life, and for that reason it is so popular. It has a beautiful city, Naoussa, whitewashed villages like Parikia, crystal clear beaches, like Golden Beach, and traditional monasteries, like Panagia Ekatontapiliani. You will get excited by its warm hospitality, delicious local cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

Things to Do in Paros

• Naoussa: It is a famous fishing village. The traditional architecture and gorgeous landscape is one of a kind. There you will find tavernas, cafes, and local shops.
• Parikia: The capital of Paros, Parikia, has a beautiful old town with white-washed houses, narrow streets, and the impressive Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
• Panagia Ekatontapiliani: Known as the Church of 100 Doors, is one of Greece’s oldest and most important Byzantine churches, dating back to the 4th century.
• Golden Beach: Known for its long stretch of golden sand and clear waters, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or windsurfing.
• Lefkes Village: Head to Lefkes village, located on the mountain area of the island. It gives a great view of the Aegean Sea and great tavernas with traditional food.

Day 8-9: Naxos

Naxos is an island renowned for its beautiful beaches, extensive history, and traditional Greek charm. An itinerary to Greece requires visiting Naxos especially if you are looking for a more relaxing experience because the island is less crowded with tourists than Santorini and Mykonos. When you arrive on the island, you instantly get impressed by the historic marble Portara. Explore Chora, the old town, with its alleyways, shops, and Venetian palaces.

Things to Do in Naxos

• Portara (Temple of Apollo): Portara is a giant marble doorway near the port. It is the only remnant of an unfinished temple, which provides incredible views of the sunset.
• Naxos Old Town: The Old Town of Naxos is a medieval town with Venetian architecture and narrow streets. It offers plenty of tavernas and shops.
• Agios Prokopios Beach: Hands down, it is one of the island’s best beaches. It is unique due to its clear blue waters and soft white sand.
• Mount Zas Hike: For those that seek adventure, Naxos offers a hiking trail on Mount Zas. It is the highest peak in the Cyclades. From the top, people have a view of the island and the rest of the close-by islands too.

Day 10: Return to Athens

On your last day in Greece, go back to Athens. Take this opportunity to see any places you might have missed on your first visit, such as the National Archaeological Museum, the Filopappou hill, or Gazi district, which are well-known for their lively atmosphere and street art. And of course, try some more of the local cuisine. 

This 10-day Greece itinerary provides the ideal balance of leisure, culture, and history. Enjoy everything Greece has to offer, from the historic places of Athens to the sunny islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos. Greece is guaranteed to win you with its historical landscapes, the beautiful beaches and the tasty food. See all of our available trips to Greece or create a custom one tailored to your needs, and get ready to make priceless memories in one of the most stunning places in the world.

Upgrade to a 14-Day Greece Itinerary: Additional Island Recommendations

If you have more time to explore Greece, consider extending your trip by adding some more islands to your itinerary, such as Syros, Ios, and Tinos.

Syros

Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and offers a landscape of Venetian architecture. It is rich in history and it is a great destination if you seek relaxation, since it is less touristy. Ermoupoli, the capital city, is one of the most beautiful towns in Cyclades with its neoclassical buildings and charming cafes. You can go swimming at the sandy beaches of Kini or Azolimnos.

Ios

Ios is a small island, famous for its night-life. It is one of the best Greek party-islands. In recent years it has gained more and more reputation so maybe you should consider visiting it. Besides its party vibe, Ios offers some beautiful beaches such as Mylopotas Beach. Moreover, its old town of Chora has many restaurants and cafes.

Tinos

Tinos is another Cycladic island. It used to attract more religious tourism, due to the famous Panagia of Tinos Church. However, over the last few years the island has changed a lot and it is full of life. Chora has a very beautiful landscape, but the island is also famous for its unique villages such as Pyrgos and Volax. The most famous beaches are Kolimpithra and Agios Fokas.

Extra Questions

How Many Days Are Enough for Greece?

For a well-rounded trip, 10 to 14 days in Greece is ideal. This allows you to see the highlights without rushing and gives time to explore both mainland and island destinations.

Is 7 Days in Greece Enough?

Seven days is enough to experience some of the best parts of Greece, including Athens and a few islands. However, you’ll likely need to focus on fewer destinations, such as Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.

Is €500 Enough for a Week in Greece?

While €500 could cover accommodation and food for a budget traveler, it may be tight if you plan to visit multiple islands. It is not enough, especially if you want to dine in fine restaurants, or take guided tours. It’s always better to budget a bit more for comfort and flexibility.

Read our budget guide to Greece. 

How to Spend 7 Nights in Greece?

For a 7-night trip, consider spending 2 nights in Athens, 3 in Santorini, and 2 in Mykonos. This will give you a taste of the history, natural beauty, and nightlife that Greece offers.