10 Day Greece Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
This 10-day Greece itinerary takes the headache out of planning by covering exactly where to go, how to get between the islands, and how many days to spend in each destination. If it's your first time visiting Greece, this is the plan I'd recommend—you'll see the highlights while still having enough time to truly enjoy each place.
Between the incredible food, whitewashed villages, crystal-clear water, ancient history, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see, it's easy to understand why Greece is one of Europe's most popular destinations.
The hard part isn't deciding whether to go—it's figuring out where to spend your time. With hundreds of islands to choose from, planning the perfect itinerary can quickly become overwhelming. How many islands should you visit? Should you fly or take the ferry? Is Athens worth including? How many days do you really need in Santorini?
If it's your first trip to Greece, this is the itinerary I'd recommend. It combines Greece's iconic highlights with enough time to slow down and actually enjoy each destination instead of constantly packing, unpacking, and rushing to catch the next ferry.
Santorini
Oia, Santorini
My First Greece Itinerary (and Why I'd Recommend It)
The first time Jake and I visited Greece, I spent countless hours deciding which islands to visit and how many days to spend in each place. Looking back, I wouldn't change much about the itinerary I put together—except maybe taking a day or two away from the four days we spent in Athens, but more on that below.
Athens felt like a must for our first trip. Like most first-time visitors, we didn't want to miss seeing the Acropolis and the city's ancient ruins. It also helped that flights to Athens were significantly cheaper than direct flights to the islands.
After Athens, we spent the rest of our trip island hopping through Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Santorini delivered the dramatic caldera views, Mykonos exceeded our expectations with its charming Old Town and vibey beach clubs, and Paros ended up being one of our favorite islands in Greece. It had the best beaches of the trip and a refreshing, laid-back atmosphere.
In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how many days to spend in each destination, the easiest ways to travel between them, and what I'd change if you only have one week or want to extend your trip to two weeks.
Chora, Mykonos
Mykonos
10 Day Greece Itinerary Overview
2 nights Athens
3 nights Mykonos
2 nights Paros
3 nights Santorini
Acropolis, Athens
2 Nights (1 Full Day) in Athens
For a 10 day Greece itinerary, I do think Athens is worth including. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in the afternoon or evening, so spending 2 nights in Athens gives you one full day to explore the city's biggest highlights before heading to the islands.
Yes, it'll be a busy day—but if your goal is to experience the Greek islands, I think it's well worth the trade-off.
I recommend starting your morning at the Acropolis, then making your way to the Ancient Agora before wandering through Plaka, my favorite neighborhood in the city.
Sitting just below the Acropolis, Plaka is filled with narrow streets, traditional tavernas, colorful shops, and plenty of spots to stop for lunch or a coffee. Yes, it's touristy, but it's also the most charming and atmospheric part of Athens.
If you have time, visit the Acropolis Museum or simply continue exploring the streets around Plaka before enjoying dinner with a view of the Acropolis.
AwA Tip: Rather than visiting the Acropolis on your own like we did, I'd recommend joining a guided tour. If I could do one thing differently in Athens, this would be it. I think hearing the stories behind the ruins would have made the experience much more meaningful. This highly rated private tour includes both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
Want to leave the planning to someone else? Instead of visiting each site on your own or stringing together several tours, consider booking one tour that covers Athens' top sights, including skip-the-line entry to the Acropolis, plus stops in Plaka, Monastiraki Square, and the Ancient Agora.
Why I Only Recommend 2 Nights in Athens
I'll be honest—Athens wasn't my favorite part of our trip. The history is incredible, and I'm really glad we visited, but compared to the Greek islands, we found the city to be busy, noisy, and a bit gritty.
We actually spent four days in Athens, but one of those days was on the nearby island of Hydra. Looking back, I would have been perfectly happy spending just 2 nights before catching the ferry to Mykonos. Once we'd seen the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and wandered through Plaka, we felt ready to move on.
That's why I recommend 2 nights for most first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to experience Athens' history before heading to what, for us, was the highlight of the trip—the Greek islands.
The exception is if you're a history buff. If museums and archaeological sites are high on your priority list, I'd add a third night. Otherwise, head to the islands.
AwA Tip: If, for whatever reason, you feel you have extra time in Athens, this food tour would be a great way to spend four hours.
SeaJets Ferry (Athens to Mykonos)
SeaJets Ferry (Athens to Mykonos)
Athens to Mykonos Ferry
For your first trip to Greece, I highly recommend taking the ferry from Athens to Mykonos. It's an easy, scenic trip and part of the Greek island-hopping experience.
High-speed ferries take around 2.5 to 3 hours, while the slower ferries can take 5 hours or more. Unless you're traveling on a tight budget, I'd pay the extra money for the high-speed ferry.
I think taking the ferry is part of the experience. Watching the Greek islands come into view from the water is a much more memorable way to arrive than flying.
I used Direct Ferries to compare schedules because it lists nearly every ferry company in one place. Once you've found the departure you want, you can either book through Direct Ferries or directly with the ferry operator. The two companies you'll see most often are Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets.
Departure
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port, about a 30-minute drive from central Athens. I recommend arriving at least one hour before departure, especially during the busy summer months.
Many of the ferries are enormous—closer in size to a cruise ship than a typical passenger ferry—so giving yourself extra time will make boarding much less stressful.
Uber isn't available in Athens, but you can book a taxi to Piraeus Port through your Uber app.
Arrival in Mykonos
Your ferry will arrive at either Mykonos New Port (Tourlos) or, less commonly, the Old Port, depending on the ferry company and sailing.
If you're staying in Mykonos Town (Chora), your best options are to arrange a hotel transfer, take the local bus, or book a transfer with Welcome Pickups. If your ferry arrives at the Old Port, the Sea Bus is also a good option. It departs roughly every 30 minutes, costs just €2, and takes about 5–10 minutes to reach Mykonos Town.
Don't count on finding a taxi. There aren't many on the island, and during peak season, long waits are common.
Chora, Mykonos
Chora, Mykonos
3 days in Mykonos
Mykonos completely exceeded my expectations. Before visiting, I assumed it was little more than a party island. After spending four nights there, I couldn't have been more wrong.
I would have happily wandered Chora (Old Town) for days on end. It's as picturesque as can be, with narrow winding streets, white stucco buildings adorned with brightly painted shutters, tiny boutique shops, and fuchsia bougainvillea climbing up doorways.
Don't get me wrong—if you're looking to party, Mykonos has more than enough beach clubs, day parties, and nightlife to keep you busy. But that's only one side of the island.
Jake and I aren't partiers. We're the type of travelers who wake up early to wander empty streets, linger over coffee, browse boutique shops, and call it a night long before the clubs get going. We weren't sure Mykonos would be our kind of destination, but we absolutely loved it.
I quickly realized that Mykonos can be whatever you want it to be. Spend your days relaxing at beautiful beaches, exploring Chora, shopping, lounging by the pool, or enjoying long lunches. Or, if nightlife is your thing, you can dance until sunrise.
We stayed four nights and easily could have stayed longer. In fact, I enjoyed Mykonos so much that I returned a few years later and spent six days there.
That said, for a 10 day Greece itinerary, three nights is the sweet spot. It's enough time to experience everything that makes Mykonos special while leaving room for Paros and Santorini.
SEE ALSO: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYKONOS
View below 180 Sunset Bar - Mykonos
Why I Recommend 3 Nights in Mykonos
Three full days give you plenty of time to wander Chora several times, enjoy sunset cocktails in Little Venice, spend a day at Scorpios (my favorite beach club in Mykonos), admire the iconic windmills, watch the sunset from 180° Sunset Bar, relax by your hotel pool, and still have plenty of time to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
If you're interested in Greek history, you could also join a tour to the nearby island of Delos.
We spent our fourth day renting a car and driving around the island. While it was a fun way to see more of Mykonos, I don't think it's worth taking a day away from Paros or Santorini. That's why I'm comfortable recommending three nights for most first-time visitors.
Visiting Mykonos in July or August
The time of year you visit Mykonos makes a huge difference.
We visited in mid-May, when the weather was beautiful, the crowds were manageable, and the party scene hadn't fully ramped up. During July and August, cruise ships, beach clubs, and nightlife are all in full swing, creating a very different atmosphere.
If you're visiting during peak summer but aren't interested in the party scene, I'd recommend staying outside of Mykonos Town (Chora) so your evenings are a little quieter.
I'd also consider shortening your stay to 2 nights and adding an extra night in Paros. During the height of summer, I think Paros offers a more relaxed experience while still delivering beautiful beaches, charming towns, and excellent restaurants.
If nightlife doesn't interest you at all, Naxos is another excellent alternative to Mykonos.
Little Venice, Mykonos
Chora, Mykonos
Mykonos to Paros Ferry
The ferry from Mykonos to Paros is quick, easy, and one of the shortest ferry rides you'll take in Greece. High-speed ferries make the trip in under an hour.
I used Direct Ferries to compare schedules because it lists nearly every ferry company in one place.
Departure
I recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before departure so you have plenty of time to board and store your luggage.
Arrival in Paros
Most ferries arrive in Parikia, the island's main port. If you're staying in Naousa (which I highly recommend), it's about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bus ride from the port.
Your best options are to arrange a transfer through your hotel, book with Welcome Pickups, or take the public bus.
Don't plan on finding a taxi. Like Mykonos, there simply aren't many on the island, especially during the busy summer months.
Should You Rent a Car in Paros?
Unlike Mykonos and Santorini, I highly recommend renting a car in Paros.
Jake and I rented one because we wanted the flexibility to explore different beaches and villages around the island, and I'm so glad we did. Of the three islands we visited, Paros was by far the easiest place to rent and drive a car. Driving in Mykonos was nerve-wracking to say the least, and something I wouldn’t even attempt in Santorini.
If you only plan to stay around Naousa and Parikia, you can easily get by without a car. But if you'd like to explore the beaches and quieter corners of the island, renting one makes a huge difference.
Little Venice, Paros
2 Days in Paros
One of the things I liked most about this Greece itinerary was visiting Paros right after Mykonos. While Paros is popular, it's not nearly as "touristy" as Mykonos or Santorini.
Many locals describe Paros as what Mykonos was like before it became one of Greece's most popular destinations. Whether that's true or not, Naoussa reminded me of a smaller, more laid-back version of Mykonos Town. It has the same whitewashed Cycladic architecture, picturesque streets, and waterfront restaurants, but with fewer crowds and at a lower price point.
For this 10-day Greece itinerary, I recommend 2 nights in Paros. Base yourself in Naoussa and spend your time wandering the town’s narrow streets, popping into boutiques, enjoying the restaurants, and ending the day around the harbor (which is as picturesque as can be).
Naoussa is one of those places that’s best experienced without much of a plan.
During the day, use your time to visit a few of Paros' beaches or take a quick trip to Parikia before coming back to Naoussa for sunset.
If your ideal vacation involves slower days, quieter beaches, and fewer crowds, I'd consider taking one night from Mykonos and adding it to Paros instead. With an extra day, you could also take a ferry to nearby Antiparos or Naxos.
Naoussa, Paros
Naoussa, Paros
Paros to Santorini Ferry
The journey from Paros to Santorini is a breeze and takes around 2 hours via high-speed ferry.
Departure
Parikia's ferry port is much smaller than the ports in Athens or Mykonos. I recommend arriving about 30 minutes before departure (or 45 minutes if you'd rather play it safe).
Arrival in Santorini
Your ferry will arrive at Athinios Port (also called Thira Port or New Port).
If you're staying in Fira, the public bus is an inexpensive and reliable option. Buses are timed to coincide with ferry arrivals, the ride takes about 20 minutes, and tickets are €2.30 (cash only).
If you're staying in Oia, which I recommend, or another part of the island, I'd arrange a transfer through your hotel or book one with Welcome Pickups. It will save you from changing buses with your luggage after a long ferry ride.
Oia, Santorini
Oia, Santorini
3 Days in Santorini
Santorini is one of those places that really does live up to the hype. The caldera views, whitewashed villages, and cliffside hotels are just as beautiful in person as they look in photos.
I’ve visited Santorini with Jake, solo, and on a girls’ trip, and I’d happily go back in any of those scenarios. It’s romantic, of course, but it’s also one of those islands I think everyone should experience at least once, no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.
For this 10 day Greece itinerary, I recommend 3 nights in Santorini. That gives you enough time to choose a few of the island’s best experiences—like hiking from Fira to Oia, taking a sunset catamaran cruise, going wine tasting, visiting the medieval village of Pyrgos and the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, or having lunch by the water at Ammoudi Bay.
I’d pick the activities that sound most exciting to you, then leave time to wander Oia, linger over dinner, and enjoy the caldera views.
Fira, Santorini
Oia, Santorini
Oia, Santorini
10 Day Greece Itinerary Without Athens
If you've already been to Athens (or want to spend all 10 days island hopping), here's how I'd adjust this itinerary.
If you're splurging on a luxury hotel in Oia with a pool and caldera views, I recommend:
- 3 nights in Mykonos
- 3 nights in Paros with a day trip to Antiparos
- 4 nights in Santorini
An extra night gives you time to truly enjoy your hotel without feeling guilty about spending part of the day by the pool. You'll also have another morning and evening to wander Oia before and after the crowds arrive.
Otherwise, I'd keep Santorini at 3 nights and add your extra night to Paros or Mykonos instead. Since the two islands have a similar feel, I'd base that decision on your budget—Paros will be the more affordable option—and which hotel you're most excited about. Use the extra day to take a boat tour, rent a car to explore lesser-known beaches, or enjoy your hotel pool.
If you prefer to see another island instead of extending your stay, I'd add Naxos, which is just a one-hour ferry ride from Paros.
- 3 nights in Mykonos
- 2 nights in Paros
- 2 nights in Naxos
- 3 nights in Santorini
7 Day Greece Itinerary
With only 7 days in Greece, I'd skip Athens altogether and try to fly directly into Santorini or Mykonos, even if the flights cost a bit more. A week goes by quickly, and I think you'll be much happier spending your time on the Greek islands.
- 2 nights in Mykonos
- 2 nights in Paros
- 3 nights in Santorini
If you only have 7 days, I'd seriously consider choosing just two islands instead. If 2 nights each in Mykonos and Paros sounds too rushed, pick the island that best matches your travel style and spend 4 nights there before taking the earliest ferry possible to Santorini. I think you'll enjoy the trip much more with fewer ferry rides and more time to settle into each destination.
Santorini
Mykonos
2 Weeks in Greece Itinerary
If you have longer and are planning a 2 week Greece itinerary, instead of adding another island/destination, I would extend each stop:
- 3 nights in Athens with a day trip to Hydra
- 4 nights in Mykonos
- 3 nights in Paros with a day trip to Naxos and/or Antiparos
- 4 nights in Santorini
In Summary
I hope this helps you plan your own 10-day Greece itinerary.
If I were planning my first trip to Greece all over again, I'd choose this exact itinerary. It combines the history of Athens with the unforgettable caldera views of Santorini, the whitewashed streets and beach clubs of Mykonos, and the laid-back atmosphere of Paros. I think it's the perfect introduction to Greece, and it's the itinerary I'd recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.
Athens Hotel Recommendations
Luxury hotels in Athens
Mid-range hotels in Athens
Paros Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
Luxury hotels in Paros
Mid-range hotels in Paros
Mykonos Hotel Recommendations
*Some of these hotels are adults only*
Luxury hotels in Mykonos
Midrange hotels in Mykonos
- Portobello Boutique Hotel
- Andronikos Hotel
- Aeolos Resort Mykonos
- Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas
- Vencia Boutique Hotel
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Mykonos
Santorini Hotel Recommendations
Note: Several of these hotels are adults-only, making them especially popular for honeymoons and couples' getaways.
Hotel prices in Santorini vary significantly by season. The "under $300" category is based on typical shoulder-season rates and may be higher during peak summer months.
Best Luxury Hotels in Santorini
Mid-Range Hotels in Santorini
Mid-Range Hotels Under $300 (Outside Oia)
Oia is Santorini's most expensive town. If you're looking to save money without sacrificing the views, these hotels offer excellent value.
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Greece 10 Day Itinerary | Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
How did you get from Santorini back to Athens?
Jake flew home to the US from Santorini and I flew from Santorini to Italy. If I needed to get back to Athens, I still would have flown as the ferry would have been 5+ hours.
Do you know of a reputable travel agent to help facilitate a Greek trip? I am good at planning within the US but traveling abroad is a little more intimidating.
I can help as I’m a certified travel agent. I’ll be in touch separately!
I would be interested as well.
I love this blog !! Thank you for such details. I’m getting married in June 2022 and looking into Greece 7-10 days. I also noticed your comment about being a travel agent . I’d love to connect and put this blog into an itinerary.
So glad you’ve enjoyed reading! I’ll shoot you an email…congrats on the engagement/upcoming wedding!
I did a similar itinerary this past July 2021. Lucky travel volume was still down in Europe and no cruises were seen during our 5 days in Santorini. Lovely!
I hear what you say about Athens but I will always tell people not to skip it. We rented the most amazing Airbnb in the neighborhood of Thiseio. Picking the right hotels or Airbnb can make a trip feel completely different.
We also did 1 one day trip to Delphi and Arachova and it was amazing. The history, the countryside, the vistas – huge contrast from being in the city.
I would extend Paros time and do a private boat tour – taking you around Antiparos (go to Antiparos at night, it’s so pretty!). Beautiful mountain villages like Lefkes are a nice change from the coast. Paros is a gem!
I agree with everything you just said. Paros really was special and I would go back in a heartbeat and spend more time there.
This is such a great itinerary – we are headed to Greece for a friend’s wedding this summer. What airlines would you recommend using in Greece? We’ll be flying from Athens to Santorini and likely from Mykonos to Athens.
We loved this itinerary for our first trip to Greece…I’m sure you will too! We stuck with ferries…if you’re going to fly I would recommend sticking with Aegean Airlines. I’ve heard that’s the best brand to fly between the islands and have friends who have flown it and said it was fine.
Greece! One of my bucket list places to visit. This year, I’d like to gift myself a trip there April. Can you send me some details to plan?
If you have 10 days, I recommend sticking to this exact itinerary…we thought it was perfect for a first trip to Greece.
We are going to Greece end of May this year. I’m copying your exact itinerary. Thank you!😊.. also read your blog regarding packing light.. we are planning to bring a carry-on suitcase and a semi large backpack…question about the ferry rides… did you have to check in your carry-on during the ferry rides? If not, how was the experience? Thanks so much!!
So excited for you! You will have the BEST time. Typically, there is a hold area on the entry-level for big luggage (that way you don’t have to drag it up the stairs or squeeze in the elevator). If all you have are smaller bags/backpacks…you can keep those with you or leave them in the hold area…whichever you prefer. It was super easy, just make sure to put something eye-catching on your bag so you can find it quickly when you are deboarding.
I kept my small bags with me just b/c all my valuables like money, computer, camera, etc. were in those.
Great post with so many helpful recommendations! I have a similar itinerary planned for this summer and it was reassuring to read this and note a few transportation related tips I didn’t know about. Thanks for sharing all the great info!
-from a fellow Texan 😊
I’m so glad you enjoyed Kim! Have the best time….you’ll LOVE Greece.
I like your posts and common sense.
Thank you Monica!
Hi! I am so glad I stumbled on your page! We are planning a trip in October and your 10 day plan is perfect! Do you recommend any hotels in all of these spots? Thank you!
Yes, I’ll send those over in the next few days!
Hi Julie, I updated the post to include my hotel recommendations. There are tons of Airbnbs as well. Athens will be pretty affordable as well as Paros. Mykonos and Santorini (especially if you want to stay in Oia) will be the budget breakers.
Also, some hotels on the islands are closed in October, so just double-check that.
Thank YOU!!!!
Hello. Did you take euros and US money over?
I always bring some cash ($) just in case. Otherwise, I use my debit card and get Euros once I arrive. Call your bank and ask which ATMs are associated with your bank so you don’t have to pay extra fees.
Hi Ash,
Thank you for your detailed itinerary. Myself and my boyfriend are planning on going to Greece this September. Just wondering what accommodations do you recommend?
Thanks,
Clare
Hi Claire, I updated the post to include my hotel recommendations. There are tons of Airbnbs as well. Athens will be pretty affordable as well as Paros. Mykonos and Santorini (especially if you want to stay in Oia) will be the budget breakers.
I am interested in doing something very similar in 2023. 1 night athens, 2 nights Mykonos, 2 nights Paros and 3 nights Santorini. Can you contact me? I am trying to find a travel agent to start planning!
Hi Bridget, at this time I’m not taking on any clients. I did just update my Greece posts and included recommended hotels for each place…which should help!
Hi Ashley! Love your recommendations … we are planning something very similar but substituting Náxos for Mykonos. I booked accommodations for Sept 29 through the first week of October but I’m a little concerned about weather that time of year. Am I overthinking this? Planning Santorini to Naxos to Paris to Athens. Wondering if it’s worth it to pay a little more and go earlier like mid September. Thanks for your help! Your photos are breathtaking!
Hi Leanne,
Weather will be similar in October to May (lows in the high 50s highs in the low 70s) BUT there will be a higher chance of rain as fall is rainy season (peaking October through December). When we visited in May I was usually wearing a light jacket in the morning and evening. It was warm enough to lay on the beach, but not quite warm enough for swimming IMO. It depends on what type of trip you’re looking for. If beach time, swimming, etc., is a priority, then I would go in mid-September. If it’s more about sightseeing and exploring and you don’t mind the chance of a few rainy days, stick with October. Overall, there won’t be a huge difference between mid-September and early October. If it was me, I would stick with early October because I really cherish low crowds and am more about exploring vs. laying on the beach. chance of ideal weather. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this! I just got back yesterday and followed your 10 day itinerary. First time in Europe. It was perfect!
This just made my day! I’m so happy you had a wonderful first trip to Europe 🙂
Do you think it’s to much to visit 3 islands in a 10 day trip to Greece for a honeymoon, I’m torn as my fiancé wants to just relax and not always be on the go and I want to see as much as I can and explore
If you stick to the same area it’s definitely doable. The ferries are easy and quick. 4 nights Mykonos, 3 nights Paros, 3 nights Santorini…I think that’s plenty of time at each island (or whichever islands you choose).
Hi Ashley,
We are planning a trip to the Greek Islands next June (2024). We were considering, Instead of staying in hotels, of renting a house/apt. for the entire stay and just traveling daily to each of the 3-or 4 islands. Can you give me any suggestions on which island and where to stay. It seems like Paros might be the best place. Thank you!
Yes, Paros is the best option if that’s the route you’re going to take since it’s between Mykonos and Santorini. Paros also has a more laidback/authentic vibe compared to Mykonos and Santorini, which is nice for an extended stay. It’s also the only island we felt 100% comfortable with our rental car…which gives more freedom as well. I would definitely recommend looking at staying at all 3 islands though. If I had done Mykonos and Santorini as a day trip, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much. The mornings and evenings were the BEST. Before the crowds arrived. And it will be crowded in June. Also, being able to spend an evening at Scorpios Mykonos for the sunset ritual, do a catamaran cruise around Santorini, etc., were some of our favorite experiences. Those are things you would miss on a day trip. Lastly, be sure to look up cruise ship schedules. That way you can choose days to visit certain islands with the fewest cruise ships docked.
Ashley, thank you so much for this information. Im so glad I found your website.
Thank you so much!
Hello Ashley.
Could you do this itinerary without renting a car? Did you just rent the Car in Paros?
We rented a car for our entire stay in Paros and were happy we did so. I recommend it. It was easy to get around and the island was relatively flat (not like Mykonos or Santorini). Technically you could get by with buses (don’t go everywhere) and taxis (expensive). If you were only staying for a night or two in Naoussa (Old Town), you are certainly walking distance to all the cute shops, restaurants, etc. and you could focus your time there. But my advice is to get a car. This island is known for their beaches and having a car to get to those beaches is 1/2 the fun.
We rented a car for 1 day in Mykonos to explore the island. Probably the most stressful day of driving. A big part of that was b/c the only cars left were manual. Jake can drive manual, but it’s not second nature to him. Plus the car was tiny and didn’t have much power. Pair that with hairpin turns and steeps hills…it was tough. I would have much preferred hiring a driver for that day.
HI Ash
Just been reading your blog that I happened to come across. My hubby and I are planning a Greece trip for Aug/Sept 24. We are thinking about Athens for a day either end of islands plus incorporating islands such as – Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Milos. We are not sure which ones are the best to go to as they say they are all great. We have prob nearly 2 wks to stay in Greece as we are incorporating Croatia too for the 3rd wk. Would love to hear back what you think.
They are all great islands and you’ll have an amazing experience no matter where you go. Obviously Santorini and Mykonos are a must…BUT…it will be very crowded in Aug/Sept, so I would try to keep those short (2 or 3 nights) and then spend more time in Paros, Naxos, and Milos. If it was me I would do 4 nights Paros and 2 to 3 in Naxos. I haven’t done Milos, so can’t give much advice there…but if you’re already doing all the other islands…you might be “islanded out” by that point. I LOVE Dubrovnik and Hvar. Again, will be super crowded. Also really enjoyed Zagreb and what a stark contrast it is to Dubrovnik and Hvar (more authentic/local).
We are planning a Greece trip for October 2025 and your itinerary is just about what we are looking for. I would like skip Mykonos and include either another small island or an extra night in Paros or Santorini. I would also want to include a trip to either Delphi or Thesalonika, if at all possible. Would love to learn more about your services as a travel agent! Thanks for this great blog and ideas.
So glad you’ve enjoyed the blog! I would definitely look into Naxos. It’s more laidback and less touristy than Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, etc. I do not offer travel agent services at this time, but hopefully this post steered you in the right direction.
Did you fly back to the states from Santorini? Also, could you tell me the approx cost of you 10 day stay?
I flew back from Santorini with a stop in Athens. As for cost, this was a few years ago, so prices have increased. But on average, we spent about $250 a night on hotels, $200 a day for transportation/activities, $100 a day for meals. We were on a tighter budget for this trip, so we definitely watched costs and were very mindful of where we “splurged”. Also, adding Paros really helped with the overall budget.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It looks incredible and I can’t wait to experience it myself. I just have a question, where did you stay in Santorini? Would you recommend staying in Fira or Oia?
I stayed in Fira last time but have chosen to stay in Oia for my upcoming trip. Both are great, but I REALLY loved Oia for wandering. Fira is wonderful, and many hotels have incredible views. It’s also easy to reach Oia via bus from Fira. But overall, Oia just has a wonderful atmosphere, and it’s nice to be there early in the morning before everyone else arrives.
My daughter is getting married in April of 2026, what can I expect to pay for a trip like this for their honeymoon?
Hi Amanda. That’s a loaded question! Depends on how nice you go on hotels, if you’re ok with Airbnbs, how many tours you book, etc. You’re looking at a minimum of $3,500 for 3-star hotels/Airbnbs, ferry tickets, and a few tours. You could easily go up to $20,000 though if you book 5-star hotels, private tours, etc.
My husband and I are heading to Greece in May for 15 days and staying 4 days in Crete. Do you have any suggestions for Crete? We are also staying in Naxos, Paros and Athens and your suggestions are excellent.
I haven’t been to Crete yet, but have heard amazing things about Chania. Happy to hear you’ve enjoyed the blog!
Thank you for replying. Any chance you have any suggestions on Naxos? I did book the food tour you recommended in Athens. It looks amazing!
You’ll love the food tour! I haven’t been to Naxos yet, but it’s high on my list. Seems like a relaxed version of Mykonos/Paros with great beaches, ancient ruins, etc. Would love to hear your thoughts and recs after your time there. I plan to visit soon.