Greece has been on our bucket list since forever and our dream finally came true summer of 2022 when we finally reached this fantastic country.

This itinerary starts in Mykonos, one of the Cyclades Islands and home to the claimed best beach party scene in Europe. After a weekend of fun in Mykonos, we will take it even further south to the iconic and totally dreamy island of Santorini. To wrap things up, we will end our journey in Greece’s capital (and probably where you will fly back home from) Athens.

In this guide, you will find the ideal way to spend 10 days in Greece, as well as all the logistics behind the scenes.

Main Regions Visited in Greece

Athens
Cyclades Islands (Santorini and Mykonos)

girl sits in airbnb in pool in imerovigli sunset santorini — We stayed in this epic Airbnb along the cliffs of Santorini. Read more below about all the best places to stay on your trip to Greece!

Know Before You Go

Greece is one of the most historical places you can visit in Europe. Home to ancient ruins, Greek Mythological wonders, active volcanoes, and an unmatched party scene, Greece is pretty epic. We traveled to Greece in May of 2022 and visited the islands of Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and then the city of Athens. We believe it is one of the most beautiful places to visit for any group of travelers or solo. The Greek Islands are truly a unique and special place to visit in the summer and shoulder months. In Greece, you can visit several of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explore a place where past meets present.

Relatively safe and easy to get to, traveling to Greece is accessible for people all over the world. Being only 200 kilometers (120 mi) from Turkey and having direct flights from most of Europe and the United States, getting to Greece will not break the bank or require too many stopovers.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Greece in the shoulder months is my recommendation: early May to June, and September and October. We visited in early May and felt that it was the perfect time to visit as the crowds were not excessive in popular tourist destinations such as Oia and Mykonos Town. We were told by several locals that we came at the best time. During the summer months is the Greek Islands’ peak season, but the weather can be brutally hot and crowds can make it difficult to enjoy certain aspects of travel to Greece.

How to Get There

I am a Scott’s Cheap Flight stan, and since I first joined their newsletter, all our trips have been booked because of an email I received from Scott and his team. We booked this trip because there were $405 round-trip tickets from Washington, DC to Athens, Greece. Now that was a no-brainer for us, because average fares run from $500-$1000 USD per ticket for round-trip fares to Athens.

There are plenty of other ways to score cheap tickets on your own. I also use Skyscanner and play around with the dates in Google Flights. On Google Flights, there is an option to follow prices for your specific dates/locations and get email notifications when the prices change.

santorini get your guide catamaran boat sunset cruise in oia santorinia greece on the white beach — Views of the White Beach from our catamaran as we sailed along the coast in Santorini.

Currency

Greece is a member of the EU, so they use the Euro as their official currency. I definitely recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or app on the web) to see what the currency rate is currently. At the time we traveled to Greece (and when I wrote this), the Euro was pretty close to the US Dollar at $1.05 for every 1.00€.

You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Greece, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes. Keep around 100 Euro cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted, but can be used at chains like H&M, Starbucks, etc.

To get the best exchange rate, I also tell people to take out local currency at ATMS upon arrival and never ever through an exchange desk at the airport or from a bank in your home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always!!!

Plugs

The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Forget your curling iron and Dyson, these do not work in Europe and will damage your tools. Stick to blow outs using the hotel hair dryer.

Health & Safety

Health

During your time in the Greek Islands, it is important to note that you cannot drink the tap water. There are plenty of convenience and grocery stores where you can stock up on bottled water. I highly recommend brushing your teeth, cooking, and drinking with bottled water.

While you are in Athens, it is safe to brush your teeth and drink the water from the tap.

Because Greece is an ancient country, their pipes are also pretty ancient. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet in Greece. This was the most annoying part of the trip for me because I got my period. The sewage system is very small, and the pipes tend to get clogged quite easily.

Safety

I felt completely safe in Greece during our travels, but there are political and economic struggles of the country that you should educate yourself on before traveling to the country. Petty theft such as pickpocketing is something to be mindful of in Athens surrounding the Acropolis and main tourist destinations. Use normal precautions to keep yourself and your family/friends safe.

Always keep your valuables at your side, don’t leave cameras, phones, or other expensive gear visible, and don’t leave any precious belongings unattended at the beach.

And now finally we can get to the good stuff, a perfect 10 days in one of the world’s most historical and beautiful countries.

view of mount Lycabettus from the acropolis in athens greece — At 277 meters above sea level, Mount Lycabettus’ summit is the highest point in Central Athens and you can get a great view of it from atop the Acropolis.

10 Days in Greece | The Best Itinerary for First-Timers

In a nutshell: Mykonos (4 days) → Santorini (4 day) → Athens (2 days)

After a long travel leg, I bet you can’t wait to finally get to your first stop of the trip: Mykonos!

Over a million tourists travel to the stunning island of Mykonos each year to soak up its sun-drenched beaches, stunning sights, excellent entertainment and laid back Mediterranean charm. There’s a wealth of things to do in Mykonos, whether you want to shop til you drop, wander through picturesque streets, visit gorgeous white villages, quaint churches, lazy windmills and exquisite sandy beaches.

The land of white buildings, happening beach clubs, and stunning vistas makes Mykonos an ideal spot for a girls trip, family vacation, or a romantic getaway. Despite being perfect for any type of trip, Mykonos has the reputation as a party girl. Competing with Ibiza to be the coolest destination for the world’s most elite to throw down, Mykonos is becoming more and more popular each passing summer.

Getting to Mykonos

Depending on where you are starting your trip to Greece, you will either be arriving by airplane or ferry.

By Air: Booking a direct flight from Athens is quite easy, because during the summer, there is a nonstop to Mykonos every 30 minutes. Most of these flights will be operated by the European budget airlines (RyanAir, Volotea, Aegean etc.) and will be relatively cheap. We paid 30€ (not including bags) for a one-way ticket to Mykonos from Athens, flying the Spanish budget airline: Volotea. The flight was great and luckily, we had no issues. Reading reviews of these airlines will make you uneasy, and rightfully so. These flights are often delayed or canceled and have a history of poor customer service. Just be wary of this when booking and that you may want to purchase travel insurance when flying them.

By Sea: The alternative to flying directly to Mykonos is taking a ferry. You can take it directly from Athens for an 8 hour journey or if you are visiting another Greek island before Mykonos, a much shorter journey. I recommend flying to the first island you visit and then using the ferries to get around the islands. The ferry is easy to navigate, but definitely a stressful experience (at least for me), and claustrophobic folks may have a hard time. Ferry prices range from 20€ to 120€; we paid something around 80€ a person for the most basic ticket on the fastest ferry.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

Location: I highly recommend staying in Mykonos Town (or Chora), due to the fact that it is centrally located to all the best nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. Other happening spots to stay are near the beaches of Ornos or Platis Gialos.

Airbnb: Mykonos Town Suites - We stayed in Mykonos Town and would have it no other way. We stayed in this amazing Airbnb right in the heart of Mykonos Town. Our Airbnb host Elena was absolutely fantastic and we would 110% stay there again just because of her. Oh and the epic location! We walked everywhere and it was perfect.

Hotels:

Splurge: Next time I go to Mykonos, I plan to splurge and stay at the iconic Cavo Tagoo or the luxury Marriott hotel: Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Budget: For a cheaper alternative, I recommend still lodging in Mykonos Town and staying in a smaller locally owned hotel such as Villa Pinelopi, Rooms & Studios.

kapari beach in mykonos greece and flowers along the coast — The foliage on the island of Mykonos will have you wanting to stop and make flower crowns in the grass every thirty minutes.

Day 1 - Arriving to Mykonos

the pto pal girl and boyfriend in mykonos town greece in front of beautiful church — We loved wandering the painted streets of Mykonos. There were hidden gems around every corner, just like this one!

Afternoon

Depending on when you get into Mykonos, you will probably only have a half day to explore the island. To kick things off, we recommend getting settled in your accommodation to decompress from the long travel leg. Once you feel up to explore, it is time to hit the town…well “Mykonos Town” to be exact.

Exploring Mykonos Town

There is so much to do in the heart of Mykonos Town that you could spend your entire trip to Mykonos just in these parts. I obviously don’t recommend you do that, but it is a great place to grab food, shop around, and to just watch tourists come and go.

Shopping on Matogianni Street - The heart of the island is known by locals and tourists as Matogianni (or Matoyianni) Street. It houses designer stores, boutique handmade jewelry, fabulous restaurants, and souvenir shops. During the summer, most stores and shops are open till midnight, and you will never be short of things to do in the evening hours on Mykonos.
Chiesa di Panagia Paraportiani - These beautiful white buildings make an epic photo location for your instagram you have been wanting to snap. The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is located in the Kastro district of Mykonos Town. Its name means "Our Lady of the Side Gate" in Greek, as its entrance was found in the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro area.
Windmills of Kato Mili - Right along the sea perched on a hill above Little Venice sit the iconic Windmills of Kato Mili. By far the most crowded part of Mykonos, make sure you visit here early in the morning if you are hoping to get a picture without anyone in it.
Boni’s Windmill - Kind of on the other side of town from where we have you going next, is the beautiful Boni Windmill. It sits atop a hill and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Mykonos.
Little Venice - My favorite area of Mykonos Town is Little Venice. I am almost positive you have seen various instagrammers posting the waves crashing right up to tables. This spot is fantastic for watching the sunset along the coast as well as sipping a cocktail next to the sea.

girl standing in doorway surrounded by flowers in negrita mykonos — I couldn’t help myself wanting to take pictures in every corner of Negrita in Little Venice. Oh, and their cocktails were good too!

Afternoon Drinks at Negrita

Negrita is one of my favorite places in the world. This cute little bar in the heart of Little Venice is the BEST place to have a “Welcome to Mykonos” cocktail. I highly recommend stopping here at least once on your trip to enjoy the soft sounds of the ocean and breathtaking views right in front of you. This is also a lovely place to watch the sunset, but be aware that you will have to make a reservation for sunset and these times book quickly and there is a minimum spend per person. I recommend you just walk in there during an off-peak time to have a quick drink for the experience. This place also comes alive at night and is so fun for dancing the night away.

Dinner at D’Angelo

You are probably HUNG-REE by this point! Make your way over to D’Angelo Italian Restaurant–you may need a reservation for the peak season. We had my boyfriend’s birthday dinner here and not only are the prices really good, but the food is fantastic. It is a mix of Italian and Greek cuisine–leaning more towards to the Italian side. The food and vibes are great–they also just filmed Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” here lol. Make sure you get the peanut butter dessert if you go here because it is to die for, and I’m not a big dessert person.

Night

If you still have any energy left (how?), walk on down to Little Venice again to go dancing. The best spots are Negrita, Scandinavian Bar (much college kid vibes), Jackie O’s, ASTRA, or Queen of Mykonos.

Day 2 - Exploring Mykonos by ATV

Morning

Rise and shine for your epic day of exploring the island of Mykonos!I absolutely recommend renting ATVs for a day in Mykonos; it is such a great way to see parts of the island you normally wouldn’t. It was my favorite day of our Greece trip (even though every day was amazing). I felt totally safe the entire time even though some of the time we were driving on main roads.

Start the day by picking up your ATV rentals. We rented two for four people and it was perfect. We rented from OK Mykonos Bikes & ATVs. Depending on where you are staying, you could find a rental closer to you. We didn't shop around for prices, but it was only 80€ for both for the entire day. They pick you up (not quickly) at your hotel. You could also rent razors which would probs be cooler than just the regular ATVs.

Brunch at Bowl

Bowl was a good brunch spot if you are craving brunch. It is super healthy and totally the vibe of Mykonos. We found the prices to be a little high (like everything in Mykonos), but the food was extremely fresh and it was a great place to start our day.

HippieFish Beach Club

After brunch, make your way down to one of the many beach clubs on the southern coast of Mykonos. The southern side is home to all the best beaches and will definitely be more crowded than those on the northern part of the island. The reason for this is because the wind is much stronger on the north and flows from north to south, making the beaches on the southside a lot more pleasant.

We hung out at the beach near HippieFish for a little bit, and full disclosure we sat on the beach next to HippieFish (it’s free). I would have preferred one of those nice beach loungers and an aperol spritz in my hand, but it was 11 in the morning and any way you can save money in Mykonos is a plus.

Kapari Beach

THE BEST! This is my favorite beach in Mykonos and it is not commonly known by tourists. That being said, we were the only ones there. Look it up online it is heaven on Earth. It also is really fun to drive to on ATVs because it is a dirt road and the views are oh so sweet. Maybe my fav moment of my trip.

Lunch at Tropicana Beach Club

This place turns into a rager at 4 pm (maybe not a family vibe after 4), but we went for lunch and to chill and the food was spectacular, and the views were amazing. My boyfriend’s sister said it was her best gyro of the trip - shocking because we had gyros for every other meal. Their cocktails are so good but pricier than the food. I would have loved to have spent a longer time here, but we had other sites to see and did not want to have the ATVs out too late.

tropicana beach club in mykonos is lined with people tanning and day drinking — Want to lounge out for the day? Head over to one of the many beach clubs Mykonos has to offer! We loved this spot: Tropicana.

Armenistis Lighthouse

Fair warning this next spot is on the northern part of Mykonos, so if you would rather just hang around the beach clubs of the south, I would recommend going to NAMMOS for some shopping or another beach club.

This spot is so cool to drive to and the views are otherworldly. You go straight up a mountain (also the roads when you get to this part of the island are basically empty unlike the south side). If you look far into the distance you will see the outlines of other islands and GOATS.

armetistis lighthouse in mykonos greece beautiful vista — The views at Armetistis lighthouse took our breath away!

group of four people stand along cliff to see sunset in mykonos 180 degree sunset bar — We had to get an obligatory group photo in front of the most beautiful sunset ever in Mykonos at 180 Degree Sunset Bar.

Afternoon/Evening

ATV Return

Returning the ATVs was so smooth and the owner of the ATV rental drove us back to our Airbnb as soon as we got there. By the time we returned our ATVs and made our way home to the Airbnb, it was almost dinnertime. We freshened up a bit and got ready to watch another magical Greek sunset (spoiler: we watched them all).

Sunset at 180 Degree Sunset Bar

Okay, I also highly recommend this spot for tapas/watching the sunset one night. I warn you, It is super pricey and the service was not spectacular–that being said, 100% worth it! If a place encapsulated my vibe entirely, this would be it. The music is SO good and chill and they have a live singer in Greek, and it is just awesome. This is a prime spot for seeing one of the greatest sunsets of your life–well maybe until you get to Santorini. We climbed up a mountain to get here (thanks Google Maps), and our one friend was like there is probably a better way to get here, but we never figured it out. Maybe you will if you go. Let me know in the comments please.

Dinner/Night

Scorpios Beach Club

Disclaimer: Scorpios may not be for everyone. This spot oscillating between club, restaurant, cultural center and spiritual retreat has become the definitive spot for A-listers and trendy tourists. Here you can have an extremely overpriced dinner and drinks, but afterwards the venue space turns into a chic club where you can continue your night into the evening.

Day 3 - Day Trip to Delos

Looking to add more than just a good party to your Mykonos trip? Make sure you spend half a day exploring the island and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos. You will have to book a tour or take a ferry to get here, but it is oh-so-worth-it. We booked this tour company and I highly recommend them. Not only do they take you to Delos, but also the island of Rhenia to swim and enjoy a vegetarian-friendly barbecue lunch. Also, their boat looks straight out of the Mamma Mia movie.

boat in mykonos sailing along coast — This boat we took on our tour reminded me so much of Mama Mia; when we boarded it and sailed away I couldn’t stop singing ABBA.

Morning in Delos

Stop and grab a bite to eat at one of the local bakeries for breakfast. Afterwards, make your way to the Mykonos Old Port to meet the tour guide that will take you onboard the boat. This spot is walkable from Mykonos Town and it is a lovely vista your whole way. Once boarded, you wild epart from Mykonos and set sail for the ancient site of Delos island. Upon arrival, you can stay on board, swim in the blue and green waters or disembark for a 2-hour tour of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also the birthplace of Apollo and it was a major religious center and port during the 1st millennium B.C. The island's ruins encompass Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues. You can climb the mountain (10-15 min walk) to Zeus’ Temple and see panoramic views of the island and Mykonos/surrounding islands. There are also kitties everywhere! Definitely get out of the boat to see Delos, and do not miss these main sites:

The Terrace of the Lions: This is definitely the most famous spot on Delos and when you Google Delos, pictures of this will be the first to appear. This is an inspiring path lined with marble lions, built in the 7th century BCE by the inhabitants of Naxos. The lions that you see there are replicas, as the original statues are housed inside the island’s museum.
Mount Cynthus: Home to Zeus’ alleged temple, this is the tallest hill on Delos (112m). Το reach the top, you can take the ancient stairs, a climb that takes roughly 20 minutes for those in shape. The view of the island as well as 360 panoramic views of Mykonos, the Aegean, and Rhenia is one of the best in the Cyclades. It is also crazy windy up here–maybe the wrath of ZEUS!
The Ancient Theater of Delos: initially a wooden construction, it was replaced by today’s stone one in the 3rd century BCE. The theater could accommodate more than 5,000 visitors and offered spectacular views of the Aegean.
The Theater Quarter: this is the oldest district of the settlement. Its most unique highlights include the House of Cleopatra and Dioscorides, where their statues are preserved.
The House of Dionysus: here, you will find the famous mosaic depicting god Dionysus riding a tiger. Exceptional mosaics are also preserved in the Houses of Masks, Dolphins and the Trident.
The Archaeological Museum of Delos: This was closed when we visited, but it is one of the most significant museums focusing on ancient Greek sculpture and private life during the Hellenistic period. Inside, you can marvel at the gorgeous statues and findings, including vases, figurines, mosaics, murals and objects of everyday life. A visit will offer you the chance to learn more about the history of Delos.

delos island off of mykonos atop zeus' temple — Delos is a hidden wonder and an absolute must for a day trip from Mykonos!

Afternoon in Rhenia

Board the boat again for another quick sail to the island of Rhenia. Here you will be able to jump off the boat and swim in the sparkling Aegean sea. You can also swim to the island itself, but if you plan to do this, I recommend jumping off the boat in Tevas or Chacos, or else you will be climbing the island hill in bare feet. At the top, you can find local farm animals grazing casually. Be cautious of the snakes as that was something our guide had mentioned to the people who got off the boat to explore. When we went in May only a couple people had jumped off our boat because the water was so freezing! Hopefully when you go it will be nice and warm.

BBQ Lunch

The tour had a lovely barbecue lunch and even though I am a vegetarian, the chef and captain made sure there was something yummy for me to eat. I thought everything tasted great and we had the chance to try a lot of local Greek dishes. There was also an open bar and some of the members of our tour group got a little rowdy.

Evening

We got off the boat at around 5pm and like us, you will probably be exhausted from a day at sea. We freshened up at our Airbnb and did a little bit of souvenir shopping in Mykonos Town. If you have a little more energy than us on your last night in Mykonos, you should venture to one of the many beach clubs on the southern coast of Mykonos.

girl eating spaghetti in mykonos very happy at sale e pepe — A perfectly al dente spaghetti at Sale e Pepe in Mykonos Town was the perfect last dinner on the island.

Dinner at Sale e Pepe

This place has really good vibes and is right in Mykonos Town. A little bit Italian and a lot a bit Greek, the food at Sale e Pepe was so good. They have like 40 different OLIVE OILS for your bread, so definitely get bread. Carbs don't count on vacay. Also, I highly recommend you get the red pepper olive oil as one of them on your table. I had the spaghetti and it was the perfect portion size and perfectly al dente.

Day 4 - Sailing to Santorini

And just like that, off to Santorini we go!

No amount of time will ever be enough for me to spend in Santorini, but in this itinerary, we will try to do it all and hit all the best spots for your first trip there. Santorini will mesmerize you with its hypnotic sunsets, volcano caldera views, and fantastic Greek cuisine.

Getting to Santorini

By Sea: If you are already on an island in Greece, odds are the best way to get to Santorini would be by ferry. The ferry is easy to navigate, but definitely a stressful experience (at least for me), and claustrophobic folks may have a hard time. Ferry prices range from 20€ to 120€; we paid something around 80€ a person for the most basic ticket on the fastest ferry.

By Air: Booking a direct flight from Athens is quite easy, because during the summer, there is a nonstop to Santorini every 30 minutes. Most of these flights will be operated by the European budget airlines (RyanAir, Volotea, Aegean etc.) and will be relatively cheap.

Where to Stay in Santorini

Location: Wherever you stay in Santorini, having a caldera view is a MUST. If you are flying all the way to Greece, you might as well splurge to have the view of a lifetime while you are there. The best areas of Santorini to stay are Thira, Oia, and Imerovigli. The most posh is the iconic Oia, but it is also the least centrally located and will make visiting other parts of the island not as feasible. Staying in Thira is a great option because as the island’s capital, it has the majority of the main activities, restaurants, and bars. Thira is great because it is directly center on the caldera of Santorini and provides you easy access by bus to every location in Santorini. In between Oia and Thira lies the sleepy Imerovgli, which was perfect for our group of four. We stayed at an Airbnb with epic views and we loved exploring the area.

view of the santorini caldera epic cliff view of volcano — A gorgeous view of Santorini’s caldera along the hike from Fira to Oia.

Hotels:

Splurge: Next time I go to Santorini, I plan to splurge and stay at the iconic Cavo Tagoo or the luxury Marriott hotel: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini.
Budget: For a cheaper alternative, I recommend still lodging in along the caldera at one of the smaller local hotel groups, for example: . Santorini Princess Spa Hotel.

Morning

For entire day of Santorini-fun, I recommend taking the earliest ferry available for you to choose from. We took the 10 am ferry and it was a unique experience. The ferry was the worst part of our trip tbh because it reminded me of that scene when they all try to get on the ferry in World of the Worlds. I am being dramatic, but seriously do not be the last people on the ferry because someone will take your seat. I'd maybe even get the VIP section to not have to deal with this mess again. It is still better than flying back to Athens and then to another island though.

Once you reach Santorini by ferry, you will arrive at the Athinios Ferry Port, which is the main port of the island. Your housing accommodation choice should coordinate a driver to pick you up at the port. When we got there, our driver greeted us and we were off. The mystical first glances of Santorini really will take your breath away and there are no words I can write to prepare you for how these vistas will make you feel.

Take the rest of the morning to enjoy your hotel or Airbnb accommodation and its mesmerizing caldera views that I hope you booked. Our spot had a plunge pool and lounge chairs where we were all able to chill out and unwind. I wish I could live in that moment forever.

Lunch at Lucky’s Souvlaki

This is by far the best spot to get a gyro in Santorini (maybe Greece). We fell in love with this spot and ate here on multiple occasions while we were staying in Santorini. The owner is hysterical and anything with french fries in it makes my heart happy <3. If you are staying in Oia, the alternative lunch-spot is to get gyros at Pitagyros.

Afternoon Hike to Skaros Rock

In the heart of Imerovigli and viewable from pretty much every spot on the caldera lies the iconic Skaros Rock. This hike is a great experience and takes about 30 minutes for views that are out of this world. You will be able to find the entrance to the hike right at the corner of the Blue Note restaurant and from there you can follow the path all the way down to the bottom of the rock. There are several paths you can explore and when we visited the entire trail was lined with wildflowers. I tried to get to the very top though and I could not figure it out. The only option was imminent death. If you figure out how to get to the top, please let me know.

Dinner choices based on where you are staying:

Oia - Skala Restaurant, Roka Oia, FINO
Thera - Caldera View Bar, Restaurant Argo, Naoussa, Ouzeri, Cacio e Pepe, Lucky’s Souvlaki - cheap lunch,
Imerovigli - Mezzo, Athenian House, Avocado, Anogi, Posidonia Taverna, La Maison, Kapari Wine Restaurant, Melitini, Onar

Night

For some dancing, head on over to downtown Thira to find all the bars. We walked into Two Brothers based on a recommendation, but it was extremely crowded and not a lot of space. We headed to a nearby location called The Highlander and it was fantastic. They let us dance on the tables and we boogied all night.

Day 5 - Fira to Oia Hike

Rise and shine for your most action-packed day of the trip. Today, you will be hiking 10 km (6 miles) from Fira to Oia. Now don’t be discouraged by the distance, this is a super easy hike and if the weather is right, will be the most beautiful part of your journey.

imerovigli white buildings lining the cliffs in santorini — White buildings line the cliffs in Santorini and make for a perfect morning stroll.

Morning

Take some time to prep for your long walk/hike. You will want to wear sneakers or hiking boots. I wore Tevas and would not recommend them as they let in too many pieces of dirt and rocks, making it annoying to hike in them. You will want to make a sufficient amount of water for your group. This hike will probably take you around 4 hours to complete, so budget accordingly. Starting in Fira is best, because along your walk, you will have the magnificent views of Oia and the caldera to look at the entire way.

Imerovigli Brunch

Whether you are starting in Fira or Imerovigli, you should absolutely stop at Confetti Dessert Boutique in Imerovigli for brunch. I highly recommend someone get the vegan (don't knock it till you try it) breakfast trio. It was the most unique thing I tasted on this trip and it was good. Their iced coffee and pastries were out of this world. Be mindful that it is a bit pricey, but I would still recommend going.

Hike to Oia

Buckle down for the best and most energy exerting activity of your entire trip! Along the path from Fira to Oia, you will cover over six miles of rocky volcanic terrain. This is the most beautiful walking path/trail in the world. You will be walking along the caldera of Santorini and have fantastic views of the volcano and the jagged cliff sides the whole hike. Along your route, you will not have too steep of an incline, but on the parts that do become a hill, you may feel a little winded compared to the mostly flat parts of the trail. I think the hardest part of this hike is when you are so close to Oia, but still are two miles walking from the end of the village. Despite this, I highly recommend this activity for anyone remotely outdoorsy and would suggest it to anyone on their trip to Santorini.

Along the hike, there are not many places to stop to use the restroom, but we were fortunate to find very kind hotel staff that let us use their bathrooms (and look at their epic luxury pools). If you are thirsty, there is a place that serves beverages and snacks a little after Imerovigli.

Step into a postcard in the iconic village of Oia; it is a fabulous place to stay or spend the day when you are in Santorini.

Oia

Once you reach the amazing village of Oia, the best way to embrace the vibes are to just wander the streets. We went shopping for souvenirs and I was able to get a super cute Santorini sweatshirt that I am currently wearing as I write this. The shops will have something for everyone, but as you explore, make sure not to miss the following spots!

Atlantis Bookstore

This shop was opened by a couple of American and European friends who were fans of classic literature. The bookstore is so beautiful and specializes in selling old books and first editions. This retreat for writers and readers is a must stop–even just to peek in. It kind of reminds me of the vibes of Shakespeare & Company in Paris if you are familiar.

Panagia Platsani

It will be hard to miss this church as it is one of the tallest buildings in Oia (also one of the most beautiful). The Panagia Platsani church was formerly located within the walls of the Venetian Castle of Oia. The church was destroyed during an earthquake that occured in July 1956. The people of Santorini rebuilt the church in its present location due to the unstable condition at the original location and the danger of collapse. Definitely pose for a picture and check out the inside.

Ammoudi Bay

After exploring the gorgeous white streets of Oia, make your way to the edge of the village (and cliff) to trek on down to Ammoudi Bay. Now this may seem difficult after a six mile hike from Fira, but trust me, it will be worth the views alone. Along the path and switchbacks, there will be different viewpoints of the iconic white buildings of Oia along the sea. Take your time on your way down to gaze at the incredible beauty and snap a couple photos. About ⅔ the way down, you will find donkeys tied up in the heat. Now this is very sad for them, and you absolutely should not ride the donkeys on your way back up the mountain. The donkeys are very cute, but be mindful of where you step the entire way down and up, because you may step in some poo. Also, try to stay away as you walk past, because they could poop on you. I got sudden donkey pee splashed on my feet as I walked past. Yuck!

After you pass the donkeys, you will have made it to Ammoudi Bay and all its glory. When I think of a European port, nothing makes me feel it more than in this spot. I am positive you are so hungry at this point, but you’re in luck for what’s next!

Lunch at Sunset Ammoudi Bay

Now this restaurant is straight out of a movie! If you are lucky enough to only be traveling with a partner, there are two-top tables lining the sea. Being just inches from the water, you can see fish swimming below you. As a seafood restaurant, you can bet it is fresh as can be. Unfortunately as a reviewer, I am failing you, for I am a vegetarian and do not eat fish. From the reviews I heard from the group I was traveling with, the food was excellent. Even as a vegetarian, there were plenty of options for me to choose from. I opted for the Greek salad on the menu and it was so fresh and delicious.

blue green water in ammoudi bay allows for tables to dine alongside the coast — Eating lunch at Sunset Ammoudi Bay is the absolute best place to dine on your visit to Oia for the views alone. The food’s pretty good too!

Taking the bus from Oia

After you have climbed up the mountain of Ammoudi Bay, you will most likely want to skirt out of Oia before it nears sunset time. Oia at sunset is an absolute nightmare, unless you are watching it from your hotel room. Tourists are crowding every which way and nook and cranny in Oia for hours on end just to ‘score’ a spot. Might as well watch the sunset somewhere else, because crowds + covid + standing after walking all day is a no from me dog.

To catch the bus back to Fira, you will have to walk past the Panagia Platsani church and wait at the bus stop sign. The line will get extremely long around when the bus is supposed to pick you up, so make sure you have at least someone in your group queuing if you want to wander. The bus fills up and the people who are not in the front of the line will have to stand in the bus alleyway, so make sure you are towards the front of the line. As Ricky Bobby said, “If you’re not first, you’re last!”

Enjoy the bus ride as you make your way back to where you started this morning. The views are very beautiful and the ride is roughly 30 minutes long. Once you arrive, and depending on where you are staying, may need to catch another bus to your final destination. The bus from Fira to Imerovigli was not for another 30 minutes, so we opted to walk the 30 minutes back to our Airbnb. I wish I took note of how many steps we did that day…

Sunset in Imerovigli

You will definitely be tired after today’s adventures, so take the evening to relax and watch the sunset from the neighborhood you are staying in. We walked slightly down the path from our Airbnb and had the most dreamy sunset location all to ourselves in Imerovigli.

girl in hat and blue and white flower dress watches the sunset along the cliffs in santorini — We wished we had more days to watch the sunset in Santorini—it truly is a spiritual experience.

Dinner at your Airbnb

If you are staying at an Airbnb or have a kitchen in your accommodation, making dinner at home could be a super fun activity for everyone. We walked to the grocery store near where we were staying and were able to pick up a bunch of fresh ingredients to make a fun dinner at home. It was very nice to just relax and go to bed early after a night walking all day.

Day 6 - Catamaran Cruise

Today’s the day!!! This is the day you will tour the iconic island of Santorini by catamaran and finish your evening watching the sunset in the sea off the coast of the breathtaking village of Oia. I booked our group a sunset tour for my boyfriend’s birthday using this company. I seriously cannot recommend them enough; we had a fabulous day of sailing, dining, and swimming. The curated a perfect setting for all groups. It was a little more expensive to book a semi-private catamaran, but I cannot recommend it enough. The one thing you should splurge on your trip should be this experience. There is seriously nothing like it.

Morning - Souvenir Shopping

Before you embark on your sail, I recommend you take the time to visit something in Santorini you are dying to see before you leave tomorrow. This is also the prime time to shop for some souvenirs around town.

Afternoon/Evening - Catamaran

Your sunset tour should pick you up from your accommodation at around 2 pm to 3 pm. Ours scooped us around 2:30, but we had to journey around all of Santorini to get the other folks. These tour groups coordinate, because the people in your van will most likely not be the people you are cruising with. Strange because we met several people on our cruise staying in our neighborhood and they were not on our initial pick-up route. Once you get to the port, you will have a couple minutes before you board your boat. We fell in love with the boat we were on as it was very new and the crew was spectacular. They served us fantastic drinks and food the entire time. Right when we boarded, they had appetizers and wine waiting for us. Throughout the rest of the evening, we were treated very well and had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this tour and have it linked here.

view of white cliffs along oia in santorini and ammoudi bay below — Seeing Ammoudi Bay from a different perspective while on a catamaran watching the sunset is definitely a must-do activity in Santorini.

Day 7 - Akrotiri/Red Beach

This morning, you will have to plan to take the bus to Akrotiri from Fira. Depending on where you are staying, it would be wise to leave a little early and have pictures of the bus schedule to Akrotiri for the day. The bus terminal is centrally located in the village/town of Fira and boarding buses from the bus depot is very seamless. Once you have figured out which bus to take and make your way down to Akrotiri, you will be able to view the magnificent ruins of the ancient Santorinians.

Many believe that Akrotiri could actually be the notorious lost city of Atlantis. It is known as Santorini’s Pompeii, and is similar in that both cities are important archaeological sites buried by a volcanic eruption. Despite this, Akrotiri is much older than Pompeii with artifacts dating back to over 6,500 years ago. This village has only had the surface scratched on what is to be discovered, because excavations began in 1967. For all history buffs, this is a perfect place to spend half a day in Santorini.

Red Beach

It's important to know that since 2013, Red Beach has been on watch for landslides and vulnerable parts of the beach are sanctioned by rope for visitors not to enter. If you're uncomfortable visiting this attraction, you are not alone, but still this location is a bucket list for Santorini. You can easily access the Red Beach from Akrotiri by either walking or taking a car. You can get to Akrotiri via the KTEL bus from Fira then walk from the ancient site to the beach. KTEL buses don't go directly to Red Beach, so if you're not up for walking you'll need to get there via car.

This spot is not for those up for a challenge, as you will have to hike to the bottom of the cliff and there is limited space for lounging and relaxing. If you are short on a day in Greece, I would recommend skipping this day if you have to choose between this day and another on the itinerary. Still, the views are spectacular and if you have the time, you should definitely see the sights.

Afternoon at Santo Winery

Greece may be the land of olive oil, but they sure do know how to make some good wine as well. We came in for a wine tasting, and had the chance to try a white wine, a red wine, and a dessert wine. All were fantastic and we loved the vibes of the location. We had a spot where we sat on veranda and had amazing views of the caldera. We ordered cheese, olives, and crackers to pair with our wine. This spot will have you in between a rock and a hard place deciding which is better: the wine, or the view.

Dinner at a local eatery - Let’s Eat

We opted to eat at the gyro restaurant closest to us this evening, and I highly recommend you do the same. Unless you are looking for a ture sit-down meal for your final night in Santorini, gyros might as well do it for ya! We opted for gyros and souvlaki at a local joint near our spot in Imerovigli. Let’s Eat was extremely close and the food was great! The ambiance is nothing special, but the venue is small. For its size, the food and service were more than what we expected when we sat down in this tiny spot.

Day 8 - Getting to Athens

Travel to Athens

By Air: Booking a direct flight from Athens is quite easy, because during the summer, there is a nonstop to Santorini every 30 minutes. Most of these flights will be operated by the European budget airlines (RyanAir, Volotea, Aegean etc.) and will be relatively cheap.

I don’t recommend taking a ferry to Athens, because the time you will take to sail through the sea could best be used in other ways and the flights are only 30 minutes long, rather than 6 hours.

greek flag blows in the wind atop ancient acropolis

Where to stay in Athens

We stayed at the Moxy Hotel in Athens and I couldn’t recommend it more! We loved our stay here and the rates were very reasonable, for a Marriott property that is close to all the action in Athens. Just a short walk to the Acropolis, Moxy is a great place to stay and on top of that, it is brand new! The hotel just opened in 2022 and all the amenities are sparkly new. Make sure you take a climb up to the roof for beautiful views of the Acropolis.

People who have traveled to Greece before may tell you that it is not worth it to spend a lot of time in Athens, but I beg to differ. Athens is a city full of history, but can be sketchy in some parts. The food is fantastic and the prices in Athens will feel like a relief after spending so much money on the islands.

If you only have 10 days to spend in Greece, it is wise to cut back on your time in Athens and visit on either your leg flying in or out. Even with two days, you will have a chance to see all the best sites and taste the amazing cuisine the city has to offer.

Afternoon

By the time you reach Athens, it will probably be around lunchtime or later, so you should take this time to settle into your hotel room and explore the neighborhood around you. There are plenty of shops and bars lining the streets all around the Acropolis.

Pizza at Kuko’s Bar in Athens was so good I got it twice!

Lunch at Kuko’s Bar

This spot is super cute inside and the food is great too! We liked it so much, we ate here twice. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have options for everyone. Whether you are looking for Greek food, American, or Italian, they seem to have it all.

Acropolis Museum

Walk on over to the Acropolis Museum for an archaeological experience that you won’t forget. We went to this museum after we visited the actual Acropolis, but we all agreed we would rather have visited the museum first. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the Acropolis and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The whole experience is extremely informative and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Evening

Monastiraki Square

Take some time before dinner to stroll along the Ermou, which is a very famous shopping street lined with the best souvenirs. Vendors will try to attract you to come into their stores and don’t be afraid to spend a lot of time here.

Dinner at ERGON House

Taking a new approach to culinary experiences, this food hall/hotel is a new concept that is piloting in Athens. ERGON House kind of reminds me of “Eataly” in that there are several eateries within the one location and they have a market that sells farm-to-table goods. This spot was always booked when we tried to go, so try to make a reservation as soon as possible. There is also a rooftop that provides views of the Acropolis in an olive grove.

Day 9

Morning

Brunch at Little Kook

This Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant will make you feel like you are in a fever dream. Little Kook is a great spot for dessert or a sweet brunch. The whole street is quite photogenic and if you get the chance, go into the bathroom to see what the interior of the restaurant looks like. The attention to detail in this space will have you noticing nooks and crannies all over.

Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant bar full of flowers — In the midst of the streets of Psyrri, you can fall down the rabbit hole at Little Kook, an Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant that will have you feeling like you are in a (fever) dream.

Acropolis

After you fill up for the day on sugar, make your way up to the top of the Acropolis. This steep slope may seem intimidating to climb in the Athens heat, but the slope is quite gradual and easy to do even in the sandals I wore. (Wish I wore sneakers!) At the top, don’t miss the Parthenon, the Propylaea - the beautiful entry gate to the Acropolis, the Theater of Herod Atticus, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. We did not pre-purchase our tickets and were able to just walk right up to the booth to purchase the discounted tickets for people younger than 26 (cha-ching!). If you are worried about waiting in line, you can also pre-purchase your tickets online here.

Other notable historical sites you should visit:

The Ancient Agora of Athens and the Museum of the Ancient Agora
Kerameikos and the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos
The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieio)
The Roman Agora of Athens and the Tower of the Winds
Hadrian’s Library
Aristotle’s Lyceum (Archaeological site of Lykeion)

Anafiotika Neighborhood

Anafiotika is a neighborhood hidden against the slopes of the Acropolis. The buildings will have you feeling transported back to the Greek islands. To get there, you will need to hike up Erechtheus Street, (towards Prytania Street), make a right and across from Metochi Panagiou Tafou (a church) start heading uphill. At the top, you will find several little cul-de-sacs and private-property looking-esque twisty staircases – that’s Anafiotika!

The Plaka

As the historic and cultural epicenter of ancient Greece, this neighborhood continues to flourish into the modern century. Explore these winding streets and take a chance to enjoy an Apertivo overlooking the Acropolis.

Syntagma Square/National Garden

This spot is perfect to take a rest from all your walking and the heat. Take some time for people watching and strolling through Greece’s National Garden. It is quite beautiful to see palm trees and flowers there. You can also catch the changing of the guards at the top of every hour.

bridge over koi pond in the national garden of greece — In the National Garden of Greece, there are many paths that will lead you through beautiful trees and foliage to secret spots such as the one above.

Aperitivo overlooking the Acropolis

There are several bars/lounges that overlook the Acropolis. We enjoyed a happy hour at A for Athens. This spot was super cute for cocktails and watching the sunset along the Parthenon. They did not serve many food options, so for your last dinner in Greece, grab some gyros and celebrate your fantastic Greece trip by experiencing the plentiful and colorful nightlife of Athens.

Drinks on this rooftop bar across from the Acropolis are such a vibe.

Day 10 - Farewell Greece!

Sadly your time is up in Greece and you will have to catch your flight home today. If you have more time in the country, I recommend seeing the village of Meteora or more of the lesser-traveled Greek islands such as Milos, Paros, or Naxos. Have safe travels home and let me know in the comments if you were able to use any of the material in this blog to plan your PTO!