Greece in 14 Days: Athens, Islands & Beaches

An epic journey through the cradle of Western civilization

Discover the magic of Greece in this 14-day itinerary combining ancient Athens with the paradisiacal beaches of the Cycladic Islands. From timeless temples to the legendary sunsets of Santorini, this journey immerses you in Greek culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty.

Day 1: Athens — Arrival and city exploration

  • 14:00 - Arrival at Athens Airport

    Arrive at 'Eleftherios Venizelos' International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city center.

  • 16:00 - Stroll through Plaka

    Walk through the charming cobblestone streets of Plaka, filled with shops, galleries, and cafes.

  • 18:30 - Views from Areopagita Hill

    Climb Areopagita hill for panoramic views of the Acropolis at sunset.

  • 20:00 - Dinner at Traditional Taverna

    Enjoy your first Greek dinner with moussaka, souvlaki, and local wine at an authentic Plaka taverna.

Day 2: Athens — Ancient Greece and archaeology

  • 08:00 - Acropolis and Parthenon Visit

    Explore the magnificent Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, the iconic symbol of ancient Greece. Includes the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.

  • 11:30 - Ancient Agora

    Visit the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athenian democracy, featuring the Temple of Hephaestus.

  • 13:30 - Lunch in Psyrri

    Enjoy a fresh lunch in the bohemian Psyrri neighborhood with Acropolis views.

  • 15:30 - National Archaeological Museum

    Explore one of the world's most important archaeological collections with artifacts spanning Greek history.

  • 19:00 - Dinner in Monastiraki

    Dine in the vibrant Monastiraki neighborhood, famous for antique shops and bustling atmosphere.

Day 3: Athens — Ancient temples and relaxation

  • 09:00 - Temple of Olympian Zeus

    Visit the colossal ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of antiquity's largest temples.

  • 11:00 - National Botanical Garden

    Relax in beautiful gardens featuring plants from throughout the Mediterranean.

  • 13:00 - Lunch in Kolonaki

    Sample modern Greek cuisine in the elegant Kolonaki neighborhood.

  • 15:30 - Shopping and Syntagma Walk

    Stroll through Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament, and explore Ermou Street with designer shops.

  • 18:30 - Sound and Light Show

    Experience the Acropolis Sound and Light show that tells the story of Athens.

Day 4: Mykonos — Journey to the islands and nightlife

  • 08:00 - Ferry to Mykonos

    Take the ferry from Piraeus Port to Mykonos (2-3 hours duration). Enjoy Aegean views.

  • 11:30 - Arrival and Check-in

    Arrive in Mykonos and settle into your hotel.

  • 13:00 - Fresh Lunch by the Beach

    Enjoy fresh fish lunch with sea views at a beachside taverna.

  • 15:00 - Mykonos Town Walk

    Explore the charming white-washed streets of Mykonos Town with boutiques and art galleries.

  • 18:00 - Windmills

    Visit the famous Mykonos Windmills for iconic sunset photos.

  • 20:00 - Dinner and Nightlife

    Enjoy dinner at an upscale restaurant followed by Mykonos's legendary nightlife.

Day 5: Mykonos — Island of Delos and beaches

  • 08:00 - Excursion to Delos Island

    Take a boat excursion to Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo. Explore ruins of this ancient important commercial center.

  • 12:30 - Lunch in Delos

    Light lunch at Delos facilities before returning.

  • 13:30 - Return to Mykonos

    Boat return to Mykonos.

  • 15:00 - Relax at Paradise Beach

    Unwind at Paradise Beach, known for golden sand and vibrant atmosphere.

  • 18:00 - Sunset in Little Venice

    Head to Little Venice neighborhood to watch sunset reflecting on water with traditional houses.

  • 19:30 - Seafood Dinner

    Dine on fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.

Day 6: Mykonos — Beaches and relaxation

  • 09:00 - Breakfast and Relaxation

    Leisurely breakfast at your hotel or local cafe.

  • 10:00 - Kalafati Beach

    Visit the pleasant Kalafati Beach with turquoise water and complete facilities.

  • 13:30 - Beachside Lunch

    Lunch directly on the beach with sea views.

  • 15:00 - Spa or Traditional Massage

    Enjoy a relaxing massage or spa treatment.

  • 18:00 - Shopping in Mykonos Town

    Final shopping hours for souvenirs in exclusive shops.

  • 20:00 - Farewell Dinner

    Special dinner to bid farewell to Mykonos.

Day 7: Naxos — Cycladic Islands and architecture

  • 08:00 - Ferry to Naxos

    Short ferry from Mykonos to Naxos (30 minutes). Enjoy Cycladic island views.

  • 09:00 - Arrival and Exploration

    Arrive in Naxos and settle into your hotel.

  • 10:30 - Portara (Apollo's Gate)

    Visit the monumental marble gateway of the Temple of Apollo, an iconic Naxos symbol.

  • 12:30 - Naxos Town Walk

    Explore charming Naxos Town with white houses, shops, and traditional cafes.

  • 14:30 - Traditional Lunch

    Sample authentic Naxos cuisine at a local taverna.

  • 16:30 - Agia Anna Beach

    Relax at the peaceful Agia Anna Beach near town.

Day 8: Naxos — Archaeology and nature

  • 08:00 - Temple of Demeter

    Visit the ancient Temple of Demeter in Sangri, one of Greece's oldest archaeological sites.

  • 10:30 - Chalki Mountain Village

    Visit traditional Chalki village known for ouzo distilleries and olive groves.

  • 12:30 - Lunch in Chalki

    Try Naxos specialties at a family taverna.

  • 14:30 - Southern Beaches: Plaka Beach

    Head to beautiful Plaka Beach with crystalline waters and golden sand.

  • 17:30 - Seaside Dinner

    Enjoy dinner watching the sun disappear over the Aegean.

Day 9: Santorini — The jewel of the Aegean

  • 09:00 - Ferry to Santorini

    Ferry from Naxos to Santorini (2 hours). Take in Aegean views.

  • 11:30 - Arrival and Check-in

    Arrive at your accommodation in Santorini.

  • 13:00 - Lunch with Caldera Views

    Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the spectacular volcanic caldera.

  • 14:30 - Explore Fira

    Walk through Fira, Santorini's capital, with shops, blue-domed churches, and cobblestone paths.

  • 17:00 - Journey to Oia

    Travel to Oia, famous for its legendary sunset and traditional architecture.

  • 18:00 - Legendary Oia Sunset

    Experience Oia's spectacular sunset, considered one of the world's most beautiful.

Day 10: Santorini — Archaeology and volcanoes

  • 08:30 - Akrotiri Archaeological Site

    Explore the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, preserved by volcanic ash for 3,600 years.

  • 11:30 - Red Beach

    Visit the famous Red Beach with volcanic red cliffs.

  • 13:00 - Lunch in Akrotiri

    Lunch at a traditional restaurant nearby.

  • 14:30 - Volcanic Caldera Cruise

    Take a boat cruise around the volcanic caldera with stops for swimming in thermal waters.

  • 18:00 - Dinner in Kamari

    Dine at the traditional Kamari Beach with fresh fish tavernas.

Day 11: Santorini — Wines and experiences

  • 09:00 - Wine Tasting at Winery

    Wine tasting at a traditional Santorini winery. Learn about the local Vinsanto grape.

  • 11:30 - Late Breakfast at Winery

    Enjoy local appetizers at the winery.

  • 13:00 - Lunch in Pyrgos

    Visit the mountain village of Pyrgos and lunch with views of the entire island.

  • 15:00 - Perissa or Perivolos Beach

    Enjoy the beach with unique black volcanic sand.

  • 18:00 - Spa or Relaxation

    Relax at a local spa with volcanic origin treatments.

  • 20:00 - Romantic Dinner

    Special dinner at an upscale restaurant.

Day 12: Crete — Minoan palace and ancient history

  • 08:00 - Ferry to Crete (Heraklion)

    Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion, Crete (3 hours). Enjoy coastal views.

  • 11:30 - Arrival and Lunch

    Arrive in Crete and lunch in Heraklion.

  • 13:30 - Palace of Knossos

    Explore the spectacular Palace of Knossos, the largest and best-preserved Minoan palace.

  • 17:00 - Heraklion Archaeological Museum

    Visit the museum with Minoan artifacts from the Palace of Knossos.

  • 19:00 - Dinner in Heraklion

    Dine at a traditional Cretan restaurant.

Day 13: Crete — Paradisiacal beaches and nature

  • 08:00 - Drive to Chania

    Drive from Heraklion to Chania (2 hours) on the northern coast.

  • 10:30 - Chania Old Town Exploration

    Explore charming Venetian Old Town streets of Chania with a picturesque harbor.

  • 13:00 - Harbor Lunch

    Lunch with views of Chania's Venetian harbor.

  • 15:00 - Elafonissi Beach

    Visit the famous Elafonissi Beach known for turquoise water and pink sand.

  • 19:00 - Dinner in Chania

    Dine at a traditional Chania taverna.

Day 14: Crete / Return — Samaria Gorge and farewell

  • 07:00 - Samaria Gorge Hiking

    Hike 16 km through Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's most beautiful gorges.

  • 12:30 - Lunch in Hora Sfakion

    Lunch at the coastal village of Hora Sfakion after hiking.

  • 14:30 - Return Ferry to Chania

    Ferry from Hora Sfakion back to Chania.

  • 16:00 - Last Shopping and Rest

    Final relaxation and shopping in Chania.

  • 18:00 - Farewell Dinner

    Special farewell dinner in Chania.

  • 20:00 - Transfer to Airport

    Transfer to Heraklion Airport for your return flight.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit Greece?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer perfect weather, beautiful landscapes, and fewer tourists. Summer months are hot but ideal if you're seeking beaches.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
EU citizens don't need a visa. Other citizens should check Schengen area requirements. It's recommended to verify with your embassy before traveling.
What's the best way to travel between islands?
Ferries are the most economical and popular option. Regular ferries connect Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. Flights between islands are also available for faster travel.
How much money should I bring?
Carry cash for small villages, though most places accept cards. Recommended daily budget is €50-€100 including accommodation, meals, and activities.
Is it safe to travel solo in Greece?
Yes, Greece is very safe for solo travelers. Islands and Athens have good tourist infrastructure. Always inform someone of your plans and take basic precautions.