Make the Most of Your Time in Greece

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit

When planning a trip to Greece, it's helpful to gather advice and information on how to make the most of your time in the country. For detailed travel advice and insider tips, check out the articles below from our local Greek experts, whether you're planning a quick getaway or a more extensive exploration.

Generally, kimkim advises spending at least a week soaking in the iconic beauty of Athens and a couple of Greek Islands or extending your stay to uncover the less-visited islands and the mainland's diverse regions, from the Peloponnese's mountains to North Macedonia's historic sites. Our unique itinerary ideas cater to various time frames, ensuring you can make the most of your Greek adventure, whether it's for five days or two weeks, and whether you're seeking a luxury, relaxed, or family-friendly trip.

Keep reading to discover the perfect balance of famous highlights and hidden gems, cultural immersion, and natural beauty in Greece.

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How Many Days to Spend in Greece

Spend at least seven days in Greece, and you'll be able to comfortably explore Athens plus one or two Greek islands—pair Mykonos and Santorini, for example, or stick to the culture and cuisine of Crete. With more days to spend, add a few less-visited islands to your itinerary or explore the mainland, from the mountains of the Peloponnese to history-rich Macedonia. If you're planning a quick getaway, base yourself in Athens with mainland day trips (and an overnight on Naxos, if there's time).

5 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Greece offers a great introduction to its ancient treasures and incredible landscapes, and there are two general approaches to make the most of a brief itinerary. First, you can split your time between vibrant Athens and one additional destination, like the seaside town of Nafplio or the island of Naxos. Or, devote your entire trip to one locale, such as Crete or Rhodes, to truly understand the complexities of a specific island or region. See more options for your trip below.

Shipwreck Beach on the island of Zakynthos

6 Days in Greece - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With six days to spend in Greece, you can split your itinerary between one mainland area and an island, or base yourself in one place, with some day trips mixed in. If you’re interested in exploring two locations, start in either Athens or Thessaloniki, then head for an island like Naxos or coastal town like Nafplio. If you’re interested in diving deep in one spot, consider the island of Zakynthos or the Chania region of Crete. See our itineraries below for more ideas.

Discover the ancient ruins of Delphi on a mainland Greece roadtrip

1 Week in Greece - 7 Unique Itineraries

A popular option for a week in Greece is to spend a day in Athens upon arrival and then head out to the Greek islands by ferry or flight. Another recommended option is a road trip to explore the ancient history and mythology of mainland Greece. Or experience the Greek islands on a yacht. No matter which itinerary you choose, you'll experience plenty of history, culture, and food. Read on for 7 great 7-day itineraries to make the most of your week in Greece.

Hang out in Santorini's dreamy village of Oia on a weeklong luxury tour in Greece

1 Week in Greece - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Greece and luxury go hand in hand, and with one week to explore, you can hop between the mainland and one or two islands. Athens is a natural starting point for most tours, while Santorini and Mykonos are must-visits for those dreaming of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and world-class cuisine. History enthusiasts will want to spend more time on the mainland, especially in Olympia. Or, for the ultimate getaway, hire a private yacht and sail around the Cyclades.

8 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spending a week in Greece is already great—but with an added bonus day, you have another chance to dig into the food, culture, and outdoor activities that make this destination special. Get to know the mainland, explore Crete, or chill out on Mykonos and Santorini with these 8-day itineraries.

Discover Naxos' iconic Portara gate on a relaxing itinerary of Greecc

9 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days in Greece, you can island-hop your way through an island chain like the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands, road trip around the mainland, or mix it up with a bit of both. Many of these itineraries include time in Athens, after which it’s off to adventure at a speed that suits your style, whether you’re a foodie, touring with a family, or excited to sail from port to port. Check out the trip plans below for more ideas and information.

Discover iconic Santorini and the Cyclades on highlight tour of Greece for first-time visitors

10 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Greece, you can choose between an island-hopping adventure, a historical highlights tour, and a fast-paced road trip itinerary. The islands of Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos are an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed escape to the Cyclades, while Athens and the Peloponnese peninsula are filled to the brim with fascinating ruins. If you're eager to experience Greece's natural wonders, opt instead for an active adventure amid the mainland's mountains, coastlines, and forests.

Kick 10 days of luxury off in Athens, with iconic views over the Acropolis (photo courtesy of Dolli Hotel)

10 Days in Greece - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Greece is an excellent amount of time to delve into a highlights tour that features Athens, Crete, and three picturesque Cyclades islands. You can also cater the adventure to your interests. Choose a luxury gastronomy tour to uncover the best food of the mainland, Santorini, and Naxos, or a fast-paced trip featuring the ancient sites of Olympia, Meteora, and Crete. Adventure lovers can kayak and hike around the country, while sailing enthusiasts hop between the Cyclades by private yacht.

11 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 230 inhabited islands and a sprawling mainland, Greece offers more than enough culture, adventure, and relaxation to fill an 11-day trip. You'll likely start with must-see sites in Athens, then explore two or three of the major Cycladic islands. Other options include road tripping the Peloponnese peninsula, going off the beaten path on less-visited isles, or a combination of all of the above.

12 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With twelve days in Greece, you can dig deep into one region, like the mainland or the Cyclades, and still have time to explore the iconic sights and flavor of Athens. There are myriad ways to divide up your days depending on your desired pace and preferences: hop around an island chain; devote more time in fewer destinations through a historical lens; or hit the road to discover villages, towns, and unique ruins. See some options below.

13 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In just under two weeks, you can easily tour Greece’s capital, mainland, and islands. Make your way from Athens to the Cycladic islands to Crete at a slower pace, or pack in guided historical tours or adventurous activities as you hop through the same destinations. You can also elect to explore one specific region, such as Crete or the Greek mainland, where you can discover unique villages and get a feel for the area’s history and culture. Read on for some great itineraries that make the most of a 12-day trip.

2 Weeks in Greece - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is a great length for a Greek vacation. You'll have plenty of time to see multiple islands and historic mainland sites, taking part in cultural or outdoor activities along the way. These itineraries explore the possibilities: get active on some of the Cyclades lesser-known islands, dive into ancient mythology, enjoy a laidback beach holiday, and more.

Relish the amenities at the 5-start Canaves Oia Epitome on Santorin on a luxury sailing trip (photo courtesy of Canaves Oia Epitome)

2 Weeks in Greece - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Greece is a superb amount of time to immerse yourself in the country's history and luxury. Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete are top destinations and offer 5-star accommodations, world-class dining, and opportunities to explore by bike, on foot, and with a paddle in hand. Or, swap in the Peloponnese peninsula for a deep dive into Greek mythology. Another option is to take to the sea for a thrilling sailing excursion amid the Cyclades.

Thessaly's Monastery of St. Rousanou is part of the Meteora monastery complex

15 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in Greece, you can easily see many of the country's highlights or base yourself in one region for more in-depth cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Whether you choose to explore the wonders of mainland Greece on a road trip, relax in the beautiful Cyclades Islands, or get active around Meteora, the Zagori villages, and the lovely isle of Corfu, these five itineraries showcase some of the best that Greece has to offer.

See off-the-beaten-path gems like the seaside town of Nafpaktos on a 16-day adventure in Greece

16 Days in Greece - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in Greece, you can enjoy a well-rounded introduction to Athens and the famous Cyclades islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Or, opt for an adventure more catered to your interests. Foodies will find lesser-visited countryside farms and wineries ideal destinations, while active travelers focus on hiking, cycling, and kayaking on the Attica peninsula, Naxos, and Crete. Other options include a laid-back island-hopping itinerary and a fast-paced road trip through the Peloponnese.

3 Weeks in Greece - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With multiple weeks in Greece, you can truly do it all, returning home with memories of the mainland and a number of islands. History-minded travelers can begin and end in Athens before visiting the sacred sites of Delos near Mykonos, prehistoric Akrotiri in Santorini, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Or, spend your time hopping between the Cycladic islands at an easy pace, experiencing the beaches, outdoor activities, and culture of each.

How Many Days to Spend on Santorini

The crescent-shaped island of Santorini is compact enough that driving from one end to the other takes less than an hour, and it's easy to maximize a short trip. With only 24 hours here, you can see the ruins of Akrotiri, the vineyards at Megalochori, and the whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira. But to really experience Santorini, consider spending three to five days: you'll be able to sightsee, hike, and beach-hop while embracing the relaxed pace of island life.

How Many Days to Spend in Athens

No matter how long you plan to spend in Greece, it's likely your trip will begin and end in Athens. A destination in its own right, Athens attracts travelers for its architectural treasures, buzzing arts scene, and exciting dining options. If you have less than 24 hours here, the Acropolis should be your priority. But you can easily spend up to five days getting to know the city, with options for day trips including important sites like Delphi and the nearby wine region in Attica.

How Many Days to Spend on Mykonos

Tiny Mykonos can be crisscrossed by car in about 25 minutes, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on your time here. Long known as Greece's party island, Mykonos actually has a lot to see and do during daylight hours if you're interested in its history and culture. You can have a satisfying visit in one day, taking in the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos town and the cocktails of "Little Venice." But it's easy to fill up to five days of sightseeing, beach-hopping, and enjoying the island's famous nightlife.

How Many Days to Spend on Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island—just driving from one end to the other makes for a five-hour journey, and there's much to do and see in between. If you want to experience all Crete has to offer, plan to spend a full week exploring its monasteries, olive groves, towns, and coast. If you have less time, don't fret: with as little as 24 hours, you can visit a major archeological site, wander through a local village or two, and hike to perches with fantastic island views.

How Many Days to Spend in the Greek Islands

Choosing which of Greece's islands to visit doesn't need to be a daunting task. Even if you're only in the country for 24 hours, you can make a day trip from Athens to one of the beautiful isles of the Saronic Gulf. Then again, three days are perfect to experience a famous postcard island like Santorini or Mykonos. And in just over a week, you can combine the aforementioned options with Naxos' white-sand beaches and the Venetian towns of Crete, plus embark on walking tours of the whitewashed villages of Syros.

How Many Days to Spend on Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos, is often paired with a visit to its neighbor Paros and smaller surrounding islands. You can visit in 24 hours (it's a short ferry ride from Santorini, making it a perfect day trip or overnight). To really experience Naxos, however, consider spending up to five days here: you'll be able to tour traditional mountain villages, take in the unspoiled nature of the island's interior, and check out some of the island's beaches, said to rival those in Santorini.

How Many Days to Spend in the Peloponnese

This less-visited Greek peninsula offers a wealth of historic treasures, so it’s worth taking an entire week to explore if you can. But with only a day or two, you can explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games and Ancient Sparta, taste regional culinary delights, and visit a timeline of castles from the medieval to the Byzantine eras. Rent a car to explore the region from end-to-end on your own time, and don’t worry about bad weather thwarting a tight schedule: the Peloponnese is predictably pleasant throughout the year.

10 Days in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Greece has a multitude of wonders to attract you and your family for 10 days of adventure. It's one of the sunniest places in the world, so catch some rays as you explore the cultural capital of Athens in the company of storytellers, breathe in the healing airs of Crete on easy hikes and treasure hunts, and watch the stunning sunsets of Santorini from secret spots.

1 Week in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In one week, it’s easy to combine Athens or other mainland sightseeing with one or more Greek isles and experiences. You can wind through the medieval ruins of Rhodes, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and cuisine of Crete, or be a sybarite as you ferry-hop the Cyclades Islands. Let this diverse collection of 7-day itineraries inspire you.

1 Week in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

With a week to spend, you and your family can find plenty of ways to explore Greece. Whether you want to hit the highlights with interactive tours in Athens and Santorini, get into some less-explored parts of the country with a Corinthian canal cruise, or head out on a scavenger hunt through the streets of Crete, there's something waiting for everyone.

2 Weeks in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks, you can experience the highlights of several Greek islands for a variety of relaxing, educational, and exciting experiences. Consider pairing Rhodes with Crete and Corfu, or touring a few lesser-known Cycladic isles like Tinos, Ios, and Syros. You can also choose a more immersive experience by sticking to only two islands—Naxos and Santorini, for example, offer more than enough active adventures and cultural experiences to fill 14 extraordinary days.

2 Weeks in Greece - 6 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Two weeks gives you and your family plenty of time to traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of coastline that Greece has to offer. Whether you're going for a deep dive into the northern Greek mainland, island-hopping through the Cyclades, or getting cultural on Crete or in the Peloponnese, you'll find something that speaks to you.

5 Days in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

The Greek Islands may number in the hundreds, but with less than a week, it’s possible to sample a variety of isles and experiences. You can rummage among the medieval ruins of Rhodes, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and cuisine of Crete, or visit the filming locations of the movie Mamma Mia on Skopelos. Let this diverse collection of 5-day itineraries inspire you.

10 Days in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can easily hop between three of Greece's distinct islands—Tinos, Naxos, and Ios in the Cyclades, for example—if you're looking for a variety of experiences. Or, immerse yourself fully in the culture and archaeological sites of one or two larger isles, such as Rhodes and Crete. Let these five itineraries inspire you.

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Make the Most of Your Time in Greece

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