greece travel itinerary 7 days

Its tempting to veg out on one island during a 7 day Greece itinerary, but unless youre on a honeymoon and really want to chill, we recommend island hopping during your stay. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 19 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe, The Ultimate 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! All rights reserved. The most popular beaches here are Perivolos, Kamari and Perissa all dark-hued spots with tourist amenities like cafes, water sports and lounge-chair rentals. One of the prettiest villages is Monodendri with its stone buildings and pavements. ), An Incredible 2 Days in Istanbul Itinerary, 13 Minimalist Traveling Tips for Living Out of a Backpack, 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights, 15 Best Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro, How to Use Airbnb: Tips for Guests + Profile Guide, 35 Best Cities to Visit in Europe (Bucket List for City Lovers! This is an amazing city to visit, as there are a lot of ancient sites, including the famous Acropolis, and fantastic museums. Catamaran rides typically head toward the Lesser Cyclades, a little complex of islets southeast of Naxos. If you can, consider planning a trip in April, May, September, or October insteadespecially if swimming isnt a big part of your plans. Naxos to Santorini ferry routes typically run anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on which company you use. The small town of Metsovo is famous for its meat and cheese, so if youre vegan check out thisvegan guide to Greecefirst. Naxos town, or Chora, is home to the islands ferry port. Top sites include the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Aristotles Lyceum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. Uneven stone streets, hillside villages, ferry hopping all of these conditions make packing light a pro while visiting the islands on a Greece 1 week itinerary. Paros can be reached via Naxos, and it takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to get to this island. Other highlights typically include visits to colorful beaches, an excursion to the quiet island of Thirassia, and a chance to float around in warm volcanic springs. Besides that, Athens is also the perfect place if you want to try Greek cuisine. Demeter was the goddess of the harvest, so this structure was erected in the midst of an agricultural region. When planning your trip to Crete, keep in mind that the north coast is more crowded than the south, and plan according to your preferences. The Ultimate 7-Day Greece Itinerary: Athens, Greek Island Hopping & More. Even better, time it for sunset and youll enjoy some incredible views too! With beaches, mountain hikes, and small villages, Halkidiki is a wonderful base to relax by the sea and enjoy the outdoors. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. We caught public transport to visit most of the tourist sites and saw a lot just by walking around. Once here, try to stay on the East side of the island as there are fewer tourists here and budget-friendly! The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has a mountainous interior and miles of sandy beachfront. Book a boat ride. After exploring the area surrounding Heraklion, continue your Greece vacation and head west to the most beautiful town in Crete: Chania. There are tons to choose from. Santorinis capital, Fira bursts with tourist amenities and activities. For many, the highlight of visiting Santorini is the spectacular sunset view from Oia. Be sure to check out my other Greece travel guides for more travel tips. Few places to visit in Greece can boast an entire town thats almost completely untouched by time and within the walls of which no vehicles are allowed. ionian hopping ithaca vathy Browse rental carsfor your 7 days in Greece today! Be sure to arrive early enough to explore the site and enjoy dinner before the performance. At the end of your trip, you could either catch a ferry back to Athens or another port in mainland Greece which will take a minimum of 5 hours, or you could head to Santorini Airport and fly home from there. Head to the narrow streets of the Panagia and make your way up to the fortress, and youll be rewarded with some amazing views of the city and the sea. The travel time between Naxos and Santorini is just a couple of hours, so you can spend the rest of this day on whichever island you want to give a little extra time to. Apiranthos sits at nearly 2,000 feet elevation in the mountains with alleys winding up and down the slopes and breezy patio cafes offering stunning views. Youll be surprised how much you can fit into one day! The island of Delos can be done as a day trip from Mykonos via ferry from the new port in Mykonos at Tourlos. Im Chloe and I absolutely love travelling the world and sharing stories and memories from my trips, as well as helpful travel advice so that you can follow in my footsteps. Unreal turquoise water thats clear as a pool surrounds the Greek islands, and the best way to enjoy it is on a boat ride that takes you away from crowded beaches to stunning swimming spots. The first is Ancient Corinth, the polis that gave its name to the ornate columns. After Rhodes, the next destination is Patmos, easily reachable with the fast direct boat. If youre looking for a less touristy part of Greece to explore, youll love the Northern Aegean islands. Here you can also take a day trip to Delos for some history, before heading back to your hotel for a dip in an infinity pool. Your next stop is Delphi, the ancient navel of the world. Dont miss the famous Mamma Mia filming locations on Skopelos: Agios Ioannis Kastani Beach Cape Amarandos. Immerse yourself in the blue and white colored streets and alleyways for shopping and eating, before relaxing by the waters edge for a drink. While you can spend as long as you please on each island, you can visit about 3 islands in a week by spending at least 2 days at each destination. Laconia, in particular, is one of the most authentic regions in the country. One of my favorite Greek islands, Samothraki is not exactly a beach paradise. On Patmos, consider renting a small scooter or car to truly explore the islands local beaches and hiking spots. You can explore the Temple of Apollo, the Tholos, and the nearby Delphi Archeological Museum, all of which make this an outstanding part of your travels. Looking for a classic Greece island itinerary? The season traditionally runs on weekends from mid-June to mid-July but check for details before booking. Michelle created Harbors & Havens to share her wanderlust and inspire others to travel now instead of someday. The last stop is Cape Amarandos, a rocky cape with two lonely pines sticking out of a cliff. Be sure to visit both the Museum of the Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum. How to Save Money to Travel the World: 31 Tips + Tricks! Naoussa village will remind you of Little Venice when youre here! Try the taverns in the small fishing harbor and enjoy the fresh catch every day. Id recommend taking yourself on a self-guided island tour.

Stay on the right side of the ferry going to Limnos. Theres still plenty to see here, though, so you can spend your day exploring ruins, lazing on black beaches or doing a little of both. The most notable attraction, though, is the Apollo Temple ruin from the 500s BC that sits on a little islet connected to the city. A fast ferry will take 3 hours 45 minutes, and soon youll be pulling into the picture-perfect harbor of Karavostasi. The best time to enjoy this trip is in June and Septemberwhen there are fewercrowds and the temperature is not as high. If youve seen any photos of Greece, youve almost certainly seen photos from Oia, one of the most popular villages in Santorini. We wont send you spam. There are plenty of things to do on the island including a boat trip to the sacred island of Delos which is a Unesco Heritage site, a walk around the windmills in Mykonos Chora, enjoying the sunset over Little Venice, and searching for Petros the Pelican in the alleyways. These are some of the top things to do in Naxos during a 7 day Greece itinerary. How to Have a Fun Weekend in Baltimore: Itinerary + Tips, How to Take a Traghetto (Cheapest Gondola in Venice! Serakiniko Beach is probably the most famous place to see on Milos. But, there are also some stunning sites around the island best explored on boat tours of Naxos. Whether you want to soak up the sun on a Greece island-hopping itinerary, take an exciting road trip, or seek out the best ruins of Ancient Greece, one of these 7 day Greece itineraries is for you! Plus, the warm weather means you only need to bring along lighter clothes and beachwear, which fold up small. Lastly, make your way to the last destination of the week to Mykonos. Sightseeing around the rest of Santorini doesnt take long as its only about a 40-minute drive from end to end of the island. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There are also many little boutiques and restaurants here selling local fresh fish. There are lots of places to eat and drink, as well as shops selling everything from antiques and jewellery to fresh vegetables and seafood. Ferries dock at the crowded Santorini port at the bottom of the cliffs about 5 miles south of Fira. Spending a week in Thessaloniki, Meteora and the Halkidiki region gives you three very different Greek experiences without traveling too far. But, that makes it far less crowded and perfect for wandering around, getting lost along winding alleys and snapping photos of church bell towers. The ferry ride from Neapoli Port at the southernmost tip of the region to Elafonisos Island takes less than ten minutes. Stop here to stroll its narrow cobbled streets and admire the Cycladic architecture, as well as check out the Archaeological Museum, Plaka Castle, and the ancient amphitheater and catacombs of Milos. On Day 5, head to Pollonia, situated in the northeast part of the island. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. ), How to Actually Enjoy Summer in Venice (13 Important Tips! Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. With beautiful beaches, picturesque islands, great weather and a tasty cuisine Greece is an amazing country for holidays. Along the waterfront, restaurant dining rooms under covered patios dish up fresh-caught seafood and Greek favorites. There is so much to see on the island, and you can easily fill your 7 day itinerary for Greece on Crete alone. Thessaloniki has a multicultural history, beautiful churches, and interesting museums. naxos ), 55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips! There are a couple of amazing places to visit there during a 7 day Greece road trip. Perched on the edge of the rocks, its in a stunning spot. Some of the best things to do in Adamas include strolling its promenade, dining in one of its seafront restaurants, and shopping its cute boutiques. Greece or Croatia: Which Coastal Getaway is Right for You? Not counting stops, its about a 3-hour drive starting from Naxos town through the middle of the island to seaside Apollonas and back around the coast. From here you can catch a ferry to Mykonos. Its blue domes and windmills grace many a postcard, so its no surprise that Oia draws crowds seeking the perfect skyline picture of white buildings and windmills built into the island cliffs. Papigko is the perfect start for a hike through Vikos National Park.

If you have more time, also visit Tripiti, which is the neighboring town that is famous for windmills.

Keep in mind that the distances in this itinerary are quite short, but due to the winding mountain roads you should drive slowly and carefully. Full and half-day boat tours from the island sail around the Santorini caldera. A short drive from Adamas, there is Plaka the islands capital dating back to the 18th century. A volcanic eruption in the Bronze Age both destroyed the settlement and froze it in time for the modern world to witness and study. You could spend a day relaxing on one of the islands world-class beaches. Mostthings you need to see in Kavalaare in the Old Town, on the peninsula. Youll appreciate the slower pace and fewer crowds when you compare it to the busy ones. It kicks off in Athens and then takes you to some of the highlights of the Cyclades by ferry. The first stop on your itinerary isAndros Island, the second-largest island of the Cyclades group that is only 2 hours away by ferry from Athens (Rafina port). Then its time to immerse all 5 senses as you take a wander to the Monastiraki neighbourhood. To wrap up your 7 days in Greece, head to the south coast. Youll definitely want to visit the Acropolis, which overlooks the city like an ancient sentinel. Alternatively, the ships shore excursions are available at a high price or one can book a tour directly from locals for significantly less. Skopelos is quite a small island located on the Aegean sea within the archipelago of Sporades. This itinerary is perfect for those who are short on time but want to tick off a few key sights. Quick Tips for Exploring Greece in 7 Days, 7 Day Island Hopping Greek Itinerary Ideas, travelers with a keen interest in history. With its stunning architecture, romantic cobbled streets, and laid-back ambiance, Monemvasia is a unique place where time seems to have stood still. Oia attracts the most sunset seekers, but the other two offer swoon-worthy displays of color, too. The best company to rent a car from for your week in Greece will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when youre traveling. Its a great park if you want to experience unspoiled nature. The west side of Naxos is the place to go for gorgeous sandy beaches, some popular and packed with amenities and other quiet and secluded. Our cruise was an excellent way to get our introduction to Greece but next time we will fly to Athens and find our own way around both the mainland and the islands. This 7 days in Greece itinerary includes two of the best Greek islands you can visit in the Cyclades for crystal clear water and charming seaside towns. Athos for almost the entire trip. Hiring a car to visit Halkidiki will allow you to fully explore all the hidden parts of this lovely region. This is the best place to learn about the Minoan civilization and the history of the island. The 7 days in Greece itinerary below includes the best things to do in Santorini and Naxos, plus info on how to get to each island and where to stay. If youre into ruins, pay a quick visit to the Temple of Demeter on the way. From the bigger city, you can take either a short island flight (typically under an hour) or book a ferry out of Piraeus port. ferry gtp schedules kos Athens is a wonderland for anyone curious about archaeology. She is a freelance writer based in Houston. Santorini is one of the mostbeautiful places in Greece. If you make it to the far southwestern tip of Santorini the opposite end from Oia youll wind up at the Akrotiri Lighthouse. This Cyclades island-hopping vacation ticks every box and then some. The best way to find your rental car is to search throughDiscover Cars, which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip. Start your Greece trip inMykonos. If you are looking for exciting nightlife and gourmet dining you are in the right place. This one is for you! Heres how to spend 3 days in Santorini during your 7 day itinerary in Greece. This special ticket allows you to skip the long queues too, so you can really make the most of your limited time in the city. To make your travels simpler, we recommend buying tickets in advance online. Pretty white villages built into hillsides and rolling farmlands fill the mountainous inland of Naxos. From here you can easily reach the Ayia Paraskevi Monastery with its breathtaking views of the Vikos Gorge. Unlike many countries where theres a fairly typical first-timers route to follow, Greeces 227 islands and captivating mainland mean that there are truly infinite Greek itineraries at your fingertips. ), 21 Offbeat + Cheap European Destinations to Visit, The Ultimate 10 Days in Croatia Itinerary, The Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary, 10 Things We've Learned About Love As A Full-Time Travel Couple, 9 Ways That Long Term Travel is Cheaper Than You Think. This island is famous for its nightlife, so if you want to party this place is great!

Waking up on the water will add another dimension to your adventure. Elafonisos is home to one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece, the famous Simos. On the fourth day, go to Santorini, where you stay for 2 days. 2022 Harbors and Havens. Greeces summer months of June, July, and Augustespecially Augustcan be intensely, oppressively busy. The terrace at Santo Winery has a great panorama (and you can enjoy a glass of vino at the same time!) There are tours every day which take you to the active volcano where you can hike around the edge of it. The other ports were sufficiently spread-out with plenty of route-choices and were quite bearable. You can spend the last 2 days on Mykonos. As the highest village on this end of the island, Imerovigli boasts incredible views, especially from the white-painted hotels and villas built into the cliffs. If youre after the best views from your hotel, we highly recommend the caldera coast of Santorini. If you fancy something more active, take a trip to Nea Kameni, one of the newer volcanos that have formed in the middle of the caldera. Be sure to spend some time strolling its streets and seafront. The second stop on a week-long road trip across Laconia should beElafonisos, a tiny island of turquoise waters and long stretches of dazzlingly white sand. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. This 7 day itinerary for northwestern Greece is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore this beautiful region. ), 25 Long Haul Flight Essentials + Long Flight Tips, Honeymoon in Santorini: How to Plan the Trip of a Lifetime. Little Venice is a must-visit, and the Chora windmills are a must-visit here! One of the most unique things to do in Santorini is to visit the volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Crete is a destination in itself in Greece. If you like adventure, hire jet-skis and get out on the waves or rent a scooter to explore more of the island. After Serakiniko, head to the finishing village of Firopotamos for more charming sights and traditional Greek food. There are a few cafes by the port in case you need a place to grab a coffee and wait. Youll want to rent a car or hop on an escorted tour to check out this region. Probably the most enchanting destination in mainland Greece,Monemvasia is a breathtaking castle townbuilt on a rock in the middle of the sea. UNITED STATESAUSTRIACANADACZECH REPUBLICGREECEHUNGARYICELANDSWITZERLANDUNITED KINGDOM. Start the trip in Glossa, take your time in its charming old town built at an altitude of 300m above the Loutraki port. 1. 4. Its best to have at least 5 days to fully enjoy what the island has to offer.

Those gorgeous Naxos beaches will be all the more inviting after a sweaty climb. You can easily pass a couple of hours exploring the harbor town in Naxos, but the Santorini dock is pretty small and crowded, so plan to head out of there right away. Visit in the shoulder season. If youre traveling during the summer, be sure to book your hotels, a rental car if you plan to get one, and any specific tours that you have your heart set on well in advance.

If youre a fan of wine, pop to the Kostantakis Cave Winery and if youre up for more adventure, take a short boat ride to the quaint island of Kimolos. This 7 days in Greece itinerary starts in Kavala, a sea town in Northern Greece. The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 75 Fun Things to Do in Europe, The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need, How Our 6 Month Round The World Trip Changed Our Lives (+ Tips! While you might associate Athens with the ancient world, the city has become pretty urban and cool over the last 10 years, partly thanks to the bright, colourful murals all over the city. The Best 5 Days in Greece Itinerary for First-Timers. These marble remnants of a 6th-century BC temple have been partly stacked back up in their original form. Pack light. Not sure where you fancy going? Craft your 7 days in Greece itinerary around the performance schedule at Epidaurus because there are so few dates available. You can also catch a tour to the fantastic Kleftiko beach, which is only accessible by boat.

Adamasis the largest and most busy town on Milos, and its the port where visitors come to Milos from Athens or other Cycladic islands. Excursions can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. The island is ideal for a relaxing seaside escape like no other. Painted storefronts with souvenirs and boutique jewelry line the stone streets here and cafes boast balconies open to the sea breezes. You could hire a car, bike or a scooter for a road trip to see the sights. If youve only got 7 days in Greece, and its your first time in Athens, you absolutely have to visit some of the key sights in the city. Adamas is one of thebest places to stay on Milosif you like to be close to a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and good nightlife.

We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! Try to avoid arriving at the church during midday as there are 200 steps to climb! Tourists can wander the site to see the remains of old baths, temples, theaters and markets. Larger boats carry cars while smaller vessels will be passengers only. Midway through your 7 days in Greece, its time to transfer to the next island. With a car, you could circle the island within a few hours but thats not the point. It is also home to more than600 ornate dovecotes. Make sure to plan a day trip to the ancient oracle at Dodoni, the oldest and second most important of all oracles in Ancient Greece. Hop over to the town of Naoussa for some of the best beaches on a wide bay. Also among the highest island villages, Koronos once flourished with the prosperity of the surrounding emery mines and still feels rather authentic tucked away in the hills some 20 miles from Chora. The final stop on your Greece itinerary is the popular island of Mykonos only 30 minutes away from Tinos. Book your guided day trip to Delos today! Plan to spend at least one night here. If you want to experience having the beach all to yourself, be sure to arrive early in the day! The capital ofLemnos, Myrinawill leave you speechless with not one, but two sea promenades. For a special lunch or dinner, book a table at Spilia Restaurant. Here you can snorkel in perfectly clear water, visit quiet coves and beaches, and spot local sealife like wild dolphins. Id recommend reading my guide on how to get to Mykonos when you start planning your trip. Some of the greatest finds are housed in world-class museums in the city. With a week in Greece, I recommend splitting time between two spots so you can experience as much Greek culture and scenery as possible.

Less popular than Cyclades islands, but the similarly beautiful, Sporades archipelago is a must-visit! This is also the best vantage point to see the aqueduct passing through the city. I hope youve enjoyed my 7-day Greece itinerary. With soaring white cliffs that rise up from the turquoise sea and pretty white Cycladic houses, Santorini is one of the prettiest of all the Greek islands. Greeces Epirus region is often overlooked by international tourists. For a shorter option, this is how we recommend spending 5 days in Greece. Whether you like relaxing at the local beaches, snorkeling the clear waters, exploring historical Greek ruins, or walking the cobblestoned pathways of the old town the island has it all. If youre planning a luxury holiday in Mykonos you could book a helicopter tour or a hot air balloon ride. The south coast of the island has the striking Red Beach, where rust-colored sheer cliffs drop down to a sandy cove. From Tripiti, head to Klima a colorful traditional fishing village. If you want to save money, get a slow ferry, they are typically half the price of fast ferries. As readers of both history and myth know, the oracles at Delphi influenced the most important decisions in the region. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Looking for hotels? Seeing iconic sights such as the Parthenon will remind you why you started your trip in this ancient city! Perhaps the most epic trail on the island, the path on Mount Zas leads hikers to the peak of the highest point in the Cyclades. Visiting the Biltmore Estate: Tips, Things to Do + FAQ! The Zagori villages are also an excellent destination in the winter when their historic architecture and the setting in the mountains make for a very cozy atmosphere. Driving along the coast towards Cape Amarandos, you can visit famous Kastani Beach where the majority of the scenes from Mamma Mia were shot. The village Chora on the island is the perfect spot forviews across the whole island. The theater is part of the larger Sanctuary of Asklepion, an important healing center in Greece. Lemnos is a very diverse island where you can find anything from sandy beaches, desert dunes, churches hidden in the mountain, and a Byzantine castle overlooking the sea. This is one of the oldest parts of Athens and is a great area for soaking up the city vibe. Island hop. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. Next up is the famous church of Mamma Mia! Near Red Beach, excavations of the prehistoric Akrotiri village are open to visitors. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. If you want to learn more about the art scene in the city, Id recommend booking onto a street art tour with a local. History and culture buffs might enjoy the Archaeological Museum of Thera, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Folklore Museum. Old villages with classic white cube buildings dot the hillsides and ruins of castles, churches, temples and towers from centuries ago can be spotted wherever you roam. Dont miss the Archeological Museum and the famous Knossos Palace. While youre there, plan a day trip to Lindos, a perfect little Greek village with an impressive and historical Acropolis to explore.

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greece travel itinerary 7 days

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