Greece is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favor of more popular countries like France, Spain, and Italy. However, this country offers as much as any of those spots and more in terms of history. There is so much to experience in the country that a week may not be enough. Nonetheless, you can make the best of your time by planning correctly. Check this complete Greece itinerary we have compiled for tourists with a timeline of one week.
Day One
On your first day in Greece, your main task will be to get to the country and settle down. Most visitors land at Athens International Airport except those from other European countries, who also use the airports in Santorini and Mykonos. After landing at the airport, your first focus should be on settling down. You should book your accommodation in advance if you are visiting during the peak holiday season.
Since you have a limited time to explore the country, you should plan your Greece trip to maximize the time. To do that, you can sleep during your flight and commence your exploration the day you get to the country. Furthermore, you can join groups of people exploring Athens at night.
Day Two
Your activities on your first day will determine how the second day goes. If you spent the night recovering from jetlag, you could start your exploration on this new day. Those who began the day before can continue from where they stopped. Check your planner for the next attraction you want to see. If you don’t have a planner, get a tourist guide to know the best places to spend your time in the city.
Athens is the country’s capital, attracting tourists a lot. You should start your tour from Acropolis and follow with a visit to the Acropolis museum. Then, you should move to the Parthenon, one of the most popular tourist sites in the capital. It is the first building in the world made entirely of marble and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. You can also join a walking tour to see the best parts of Athens before leaving.
Day Three
On your third day in Greece, you should travel to the famous island of Santorini. It is one of the most famous islands in the world and a must-visit for any first-timer in Greece. Santorini boasts stunning beaches and delicious food that will give you all the right vibes of a vacation well spent.
To get to Santorini, you can take a plane or ferry. Taking an airplane might be better as you have a limited time for your tour. Meanwhile, going by ferry will allow you some peaceful time across the waters, if you do not mind the option. You will be refreshed enough to start checking out the best tourist sites when you get to the city.
Day Four
Exploring the best sites in Santorini will take a lot of time. On your second day on the island, ensure you visit Oia. It is the best place to watch the sunset, so include it in your itinerary. Before the sun sets, spend your time enjoying boat cruises, horseback riding, and talking walks around the pretty whitewashed buildings around.
The beach of Perissa is also an excellent place to relax. You can walk along the black sands, swim, or sunbathe while you take in the surroundings. Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisines while in Santorini and wine tasting is an everyday tourist activity.
Day Five
From Santorini, hop on the next plane or boat to Mykonos. This city is another top spot for tourists with minimal time to explore Greece. It’s good to put Mykonos towards the end of your trip because it is the best place to kick back and relax. Mykonos has more beaches than Santorini, and the night is always alive. Your goal in this city should be absolute relaxation and a blissful experience.
You can start by shaking off the activities of the past days in a nightclub. Mykonos is legendary for its parties, and you will see why. Then indulge in the city’s food and wine. You can also go on a boat tour.
Day Six
On the penultimate day of your trip, you should focus on seeing more places to enrich your memories. An excellent way to do this is to go on a road trip across the city. You can rent a car or ATV if you want to explore independently. However, many people prefer to rely on their guides’ experience while exploring the city’s various landmarks.
You should visit places in Mykonos, including the Delos, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.
Day Seven
Finally, it is time to leave. You can take a plane from Mykonos to Athens, where you can depart from the Athens International Airport. You may also choose to go by ferry, which can last 2 to 5 hours. Booking your tickets in advance will reduce the cost, and you’ll also be able to choose the time that best suits you. At last, you’re on your way home and your memorable week in Greece is over.
The Athens to Santorini to Mykonos plan is typical for tourists who only have a week to spend in Greece. Of course, you can change the order if you have different preferences, but you must be well prepared if you want to maximize your time.
