If you only have 10 days in Greece it is still possible to cover a lot of ground and take in many of the highlights this incredible country has to offer. This very detailed itinerary will allow you to visit two amazing Greek Islands, Athens, and the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora. It covers where to stay, how to get around, what to do in that time, even where to eat and drink!
This Greece itinerary 10 days covers EVERYTHING!
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Important travel essentials for Greece
Basic Facts about Greece
Greece is a part of Europe and is situated in the southern Mediterranean, between Italy and Turkey, and south of Albania and Bulgaria, on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. In Greece, it is known as Hellas, with its official name being the Hellenic Republic “Helliniki Dimokratia”.
It comprises 132,000 square kilometres of land, including 227 inhabited islands. The population is just under 11 million people.
The religion is Eastern Orthodoxy ( Christian), they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the calling code is +30.
When to visit Greece
The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that, as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.
Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere.
Best beach and swimming weather: June to October
Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October
How to get to Greece
Most visitors arrive in Greece via Athens, but it is also possible to arrive via several other International Airports on islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos and Corfu and on the mainland at Thessaloniki, Kavala, Kalamata and Preveza.
It is also common for visitors to arrive by sea on both cruise ships and private yachts and charters, as well as by train and road.
What to see and do in Greece
Greece has many incredible destinations and is considered home to some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the world. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with another 16 under consideration.
Most people want to see the Greek Islands and particularly the much-photographed islands of Santorini and Mykonos in the Cyclades Group of islands.
There are 6 island groups – the Cyclades, the Dodacannese, the Saronic islands, the Sporades Islands, the Northern Aegean islands, the Ionian Islands, and Crete, so island hopping in the Greek Islands might be popular but it does require some research, as most of these groups do not connect with each other by ferry or flights.
Some islands are very romantic and are great for couples, whilst others are great for families, and many are perfect for solo travellers.
There are also some incredible things to see on the mainland, including Athens – ancient sites like Delphi and Olympia, as well as places of considerable natural beauty and wonder such as Meteora and Mt Athos. The northern city of Thessaloniki is also wonderful, with some incredible sites and attractions close by.
The Peloponnese peninsula is becoming more popular and is thought by many to be the ‘real Greece’.
Money, exchange rates and tipping
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
Cash is still appreciated, but credit card facilities for Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted and in fact must be offered by law in hotels, shops, taxis and restaurants. You must also be given a receipt including and clearly showing the local taxes.
Tipping is a contentious issue. It is not customary to tip in Europe, and the system is very different from, say, the USA, but tips are always appreciated, of course, and if you feel your tour guide, driver,r or restaurant waiter did a great job, then 10% is a fairly common tip.
Passports, Visas, and other protocols
Greece is a member of the European Union, and as such all residents of the 26 countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement do not require a visa.
Other countries such as Singapore, Australia and the USA also do not require one, but several countries do. Check the official Government website to be sure.
Officially, Passports need 3 months of clear validity, but many cruise companies and transit countries require 6 months, which is what we recommend.
Again, check the official Government website for more information.
How to get around Greece
Transport around the country varies and can be, at times, woefully inadequate or very good. Private drivers are not as common nor as affordable as in some countries, but do exist in some popular areas.
The train and bus network is not as modern or efficient as those in, say, France or Italy, but the Ferry network is probably the most extensive and effective in the world.
In Athens, taxi drivers, like many cities, can be a bit hit and miss, so it pays to have the details of a trusted one. For private transfers, we use and recommend CATTaxi and, if you use the Promo code “GTS” when you book through this link you will receive a further 10% off. If you do catch a taxi make sure the meter is on!
For port and ferry transfers, you can book via this article too.
For Ferries, we use Ferryhopper, and we invariably hire a car at most destinations, even if it’s just for a day or two.
Greek Culture
The Culture in Greece is rich and varied and is over 6000 years old.
There are a number of things that make it so unique, including the world-famous Greek Hospitality, but there’s also the unique architecture, food, dancing, music and more.
The Greek Language is one of the oldest in the world, and it always pays to know a few key phrases for your trip.
We have a lot of resources, including a whole page on the Greek Culture as well as a Recipe page, and an article full of reading suggestions, one with our recommended Greek Playlist and another about movies set in Greece as well.
If you’re a history buff, then be sure to check out this article on Greek Mythology and where to see the most amazing archeological sites.
Further reading: Frequently Asked Questions about Greece
10 day itinerary for Greece – suggestions
This article focuses on a general itinerary that ticks the most number of boxes for the most number of people, and can usually be done for much of the year.
It goes like this:
Athens – 2 days
Meteora – 1 day
Santorini – 3 days
Paros – 3 days
Athens (Rafina) – 1 night
Variations on this itinerary could be:
Looking for famous beach clubs and parties? Swap out Santorini for Mykonos.
Travelling with Small Children? Swap Paros for Naxos.
Already been to Santorini? Try Milos instead.
Looking for off-the-beat islands with no airports? Swap Santorini and Paros for Sifnos and Folegandros.
Not interested in the beach but love Culture? Go to Syros or Hydra.
Visiting in the off-season? (November to April) – stick to the Mainland.
Further reading: Island Hopping in the Cyclades
DAY 1 & 2 Athens
Athens is the capital of Greece and home to some of the most iconic and important historical sites and monuments in the world.
Apart from the many things you can do in Athens including great shopping, incredible food, and all the ancient sites there is also great nightlife with a plethora of bars, tavernas, and clubs to choose from. There are a lot of new hotels and restaurants many with incredible rooftop views, especially of the Acropolis.
The Acropolis Museum is world-class and needs to be enjoyed either before or after you visit the Acropolis.
If you are short on time and are flying in and out of Athens we generally recommend you do it all in one chunk at the END of your trip. This way you are back on the Mainland at least one night before your international flight home, and you save time and money on transfers if you stay in Athens twice.
If you are happy to do it at the beginning and the end or are flying home from a different airport then this itinerary is perfect.
How to get to Athens
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, commonly initialised as AIA, is the largest international airport in Greece. It is usually serviced by Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Qatar and Air China are the best choices for people flying from Asia, the Middle East or Oceania and budget airline Scoot also now fly into Athens. Aegean Airlines codeshares with Etihad.
From the US & Canada, choices include American, Delta, United, and Air Canada and most European carriers have several flights a day in summer including Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Ryan Air.
To get to the city centre you can catch the Metro, a Taxi or the bus or, our book a private transfers.
There are a also a number of cruises that terminate in Athens that originate from destinations such as Venice, Istanbul and other parts of Europe and that’s another popular way people arrive in the country. Piraeus Port is in fact the largest in Europe and the 2nd largest in the world!
You can also arrive by Ferry from some towns in Turkey, Albania, Italy and Croatia and even catch the train, although that is a pretty long and convuluted process via Bulgaria.
Where to stay in Athens :
For couples:
Zillers Hotel has only 10 rooms and amazing Acropolis views from some rooms and the lovely rooftop bar and restaurant and its right on Mitropolous dining street,or The Foundry Suites in Psiri are uber cool and was once an industrial foundry.
Athens Gate is a also a crowd favourite with the Facebook Group members so it’s a solid choice as is the Electra Metropolis.
For families and groups:
Great hotels that have one and two bedrooms suites and apartments include Met34, Athens Ikon and The Gem Society. All are in excellent central locations and all include breakfast too!
Auntie’s Home in Plaka is a fantastic 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment with a huge terrace and amazing Acropolis views too. Another place with great 2 bedroom apartments are Mythos Luxury Suites.
Solo:
I love to stay at Ergon House when I’m on my own. Its across from Zillers and part of the famous Ergon House food emporiums. They have even let me use my room until my 6pm International flight at no extra charge!
Things to do in Athens
- Visit the Acropolis either as early or as late as possible. Read our Full Guide on how to do this and the Acropolis Museum.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum
- Catch the Red Hop on Hop off bus to visit various ancient sites and points of interest
- Stroll through the National Gardens and see the Temple of Zeus
- have coffee or a drink in the Plaka
- Take in an open air concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Spend time before, during or instead of a concert in the lively area of Psiri including a visit to the colourful and very kooky Little Kook!
- wander down Ermou Pedestrian Street
- Visit Syntagma Square and see Parliament House and the Changing of the Greek Presidential Guard – the Evzones
- wander through Plaka and the many cafes, shops and galleries
- stop by the Monastaraki flea market
- walk into the Athens Central Food Market
Further Reading:
Day 3 – Meteora
The Meteora Monasteries are located close to the city of Kalambaka in Greece, near the Pineois river and the Pindus Mountains, about 360km north of Athens.
The word “Meteora,” means “hovering in the air” which, whilst a literal description of the famous monasteries, also shows just how otherworldly they are.
The complex is made up of twenty-four Eastern Orthodox monasteries that were built on giant sandstone rock pillars between the 14th and 16th centuries. Six of them are still in use today and can be visited by the public, whilst others are popular for sightseeing externally by hikers and photographers.
This UNESCO world heritage site is truly one of the most remarkable and visually beautiful places you will visit anywhere in the world. Even if you only have 1 night to spare on your trip to Greece you will not regret the effort to visit Meteora for a moment!
How to get to Meteora:
There are two ways to get to Meteora: either by signing up for one of the numerous guided Meteora tours from Athens or Thessaloniki, or by using your own means of transport and staying a night or two in the city of Kalambaka or the village of Kastraki, and visiting the monasteries at your own pace.
It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Athens or you can catch a train and bus, which takes about 4, each way.
We HIGHLY recommend staying at least one night – the sunsets are incredible and it is a very authentic and charming part of Greece to enjoy. Great food too!
We have a very popular overnight tour organised with our partners that has a private driver pick you up in his new Mercedes Van and take you, not just to Meteora, but to several other hidden gems along the way, including some beautiful waterfalls.
Where to stay in Meteora :
Doupiani Hotel, Kastraki – is a cheap and cheerful hotel with extraordinary views and one of the closest hotels to the Monasteries. In fact, it is feasible to walk to two of the monasteries from the hotel with not too much effort.
Where to eat in Meteora:
Breakfast: Doupiani Hotel do a fantastic breakfast spread!
Lunch: Taverna Efrosino
Dinner: Meteoron Panorama for extraordinary views and food. Book a table outside!
Things to do in Meteora:
It’s all about the Monasteries! Read our complete guide to Meteora; including how to visit each Monastery and what they each represent. It also explains other things to see and do in the area, including waterfalls, stone bridges, caves and more!
Day 4,5 & 6 – Santorini
Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds it. The views truly are the stuff of legends and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners.
It can get a bit crazy when the cruise ships come in each day so a room with a pool and terrace makes for a great escape for an afternoon siesta and sundowners. When you re-emerge for dinner most of the tourists will have floated away!
We love to stay in Oia which is considered the most picturesque village, although a lot of people also enjoyed Imerovigli which is about a 20 minute walk along the nice flat footpath that runs along the Caldera seam.
There are a surprising amount of things to do on Santorini with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping and some of the worlds most iconic and photographed sunsets.
How to get to Santorini
You can travel from Athens to Santorini by ferry or by plane. Return to Athens from Meteora either on your overnight tour, by driving or by train.
The small international airport has several flights to Athens a day as well as regular flights in summer from other European destinations like Rome and England. Check flight schedules HERE.
There are also many ferries each day, year round.
Most service either the Western or Eastern Cyclades Islands and on to Athens whilst some come from Crete. Book ferry tickets HERE.
TIP : Both the port and the airport can be quite nuts in summer and there can be long waits for the cablecar, taxis and donkeys. It REALLY pays to have a private transfer waiting for you!
Where to stay in Santorini :
For couples :
Santorini is the place where many people splurge. In Oia you will find some of the most awarded hotels in Europe, such as Canaves, Andronis and Katikies. Aloia Villas are also wonderful and right next to the famous blue church domes.
Ducato Di Oia ( adults only) suites in Oia or Above Blue Suites in Imerovigli for more isolation and at a lower price point.
For families and groups:
White Harmony Suites have 2 bedroom suites or Theoxenia Boutique Hotel have squad rooms and are not far from, dare I say it, McDonalds.
If you really want to be in Oia with the views of the Blue Church Domes etc…then Aloia Villas are about the best value with the best reviews, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms plus a hot tub!
If you want to spend less then Fira is a bit cheaper. Doukas Caldera Suites are hard to beat ( with with 2 sofa beds) or Altemar Suites have 1 and 2 bedroom suites that can sleep up to 4 and have jacuzzis on the terrace with great views.
Or down on the beach on the other side of the island is Tristhenia Hotel or Anezina Villas in Perissa will be the most budget friendly of all.
Solo:
Kivotos in Imerovigli for a splurge or Abelonas Retreat on a tight budget
Things to do in Santorini:
- Book Nikos for both your transfers and tours! He can ensure you see all the highlights of the island in the comfort of his Mercedes van, and you’ll see a very different side to Santorini too.
- Do the famous Fira to Oia Hike ( or vice-versa) or one of the other great hikes on Santorini
- explore the maze of streets in Oia including Panagia Platsani Church
- visit fascinating Akrotiri – Greece’s ‘Pompeii’ & nearby Red Beach
- tour the world renowned wineries with a sommelier
- do wine tasting AND a cooking class
- visit authentic Pyrgos village and see what Santorini is like for long time locals
- See the amazing Lost Atlantis 9D experience. Especially popular with kids!
- do a sunset fishing trip with dinner and drinks
- swim at Black Beach, Red Beach and Kamari Beaches
- catch the ferry over to Thirasia Island – see what Santorini was like only 20 years ago
- attend a ‘traditional’ Greek wedding!
- have a professional photographic session done – hard to beat the backdrop!
Further reading:
3 days in Santorini – a complete itinerary
Day 7,8 & 9 – Paros
It’s also strategically located as one of the first ferry ports from Athens to the popular Cyclades islands and therefore a great place to access the mainland coming from the other direction.
We like to stay in Naoussa on Paros which many say is like a small, cheaper version of Mykonos with a lively mix of tavernas, bars, and nightclubs as well as lovely whitewashed alleys full of great cafes and boutiques and gelati stores.
The port town of Parikia is also nice and a little more affordable than Naoussa.
How to get to Paros
You can also travel to Paros by ferry from Naxos, which takes about 30 minutes.
There are many ferries each day, year-round. The port town is called Parikia, and that, or Naoussa, are the best option to base yourself.
Book ferry tickets HERE.
Book Port and Airport transfers HERE
Where to stay in Paros :
For couples: Lilly Residence is stunning, and Adults Only or Senia Hotel is a perennial favourite year-round.
For families and groups: Paliomylos Hotel and Spa is where we chose to stay for special birthday celebrations with 38 family and friends. Chrys and the team are amazing! They have family rooms that can sleep up to 6 people, with kitchens too. Hotel Senia is also excellent and has family rooms, 2-bedroom apartments and is open year-round too.
If you prefer something fully contained with a pool, then check out Pila Pala Suites or Villa Trifylia.
Solo: Parian Village Beach Hotel is right on the beach near the port town of Parikia and have great value single rooms with beautiful sea views and a nice pool.
Things to do in Paros :
- If you are staying in Naoussa or Parikia, you can easily spend a day just wandering around and exploring those towns.
- One of the most important churches in Greece is in Parikia, the Byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, aka The Church of 100 Doors.
- There are a lot of cultural activities to enjoy, including cooking classes, language lessons and more.
- Hire a car and do a loop of the island, taking in various villages and beaches along the way
- Relax at a Beach Club
- Visit Moraitis Winery in Naoussa
- spend a few hours at Paros Park – a historic nature reserve with a lovely beach and beach club
- visit the once famous Marathi Marble Quarries – marble for the Venus De Milo and Napoleons tombstone came from here
- Visit the Medieval village of Lefkas
- Do a daytrip to one of the neighbouring islands. There are quite a few days trips from Paros that can be done, which is another reason it is a great choice for a stay.
- go wind or kitesurfing – they don’t have the annual Championships here for nothing!
- go horseback riding on the beach
Day 10 – Rafina
If you are heading to or from the islands serviced by Rafina Port, this is a nice place to spend a night or two, especially if it’s your last night in Greece before heading to the airport and your flight home.
The airport is only 10 minutes away by car so it’s a great place to spend one last night by the sea, reflecting on your amazing trip ( and planning the next one).
Being so close to the airport its also a great starting point on your vacation in Greece if you are keen to get straight to the islands rather than going into Athens.
How to get to Rafina
You can travel to Rafina by ferry from Paros which takes about 3 hours but you may need to connect on Syros or Mykonos. Timetables for this route are often not released until Spring so keep an eye on schedules HERE.
If a ferry is not running at the time you require you can also fly to Athens from Paros and catch a taxi to Rafina.
Book Port and Airport Transfers HERE
Where to stay in Rafina:
The Avra Hotel is across from the beach and offers a free airport shuttle. They have rooms with great sea and port views and an excellent buffet breakfast – all at a very budget friendly price.
Where to eat in Rafina:
Lunch: Eat at Taverna Artemis if visiting the Temple. Otherwise there are a number of excellent tavernas around the bay. We love Archontikon especially. You can also head down to Rafina Beach and Kraken Beach bar.
Dinner: It is hard to choose between legendary places like Seirines or Kaouria to Asimaki aand Palia Rafina and Aγονη Γραμμ are excellent too. These places have some of the freshest, and cheapest, seafood in the Mediterranean.
3 Alternate itineraries for 10 days in Greece
An itinerary for History/Archaeology buffs:
Athens – 2 nights
Delphi – 1 night
The Peloponnese – 5 nights
Athenian Riviera – 1 night
An itinerary for Instagrammers:
Athens – 2 nights
Santorini – 3 nights
Milos – 3 nights
Mykonos – 2 nights
An itinerary for peace and tranquility:
Athens – 2 nights
Meteora – 2 nights
Skopelos – 3 nights
Alonissos – 2 nights
Rafina – 1 night
Don’t forget Travel Insurance!
It’s important to make sure you are covered for medical expenses ( some countries may include this in health insurance) but also for lost baggage, flight and ferry delays and cancellations, theft, and emergencies, including something that happens back home while you are away.
This can save you tens of thousands of dollars, or even more.
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