Plan the perfect week in Greece with our Athens Mykonos Santorini Itinerary which includes things to do, where to stay, and how to travel around – all without needing to take a guided tour!
If you are looking for a classic Greek island hopping itinerary featuring Athens Mykonos and Santorini (some of the most iconic destinations in Greece!) – then you’re absolutely in the right place!
This 7-Day Athens Mykonos Santorini Itinerary is the only guide you’ll need to help you visit those bucket list spots – all without paying for a guided tour! AND, all conveniently located in one place.
You’ll spend a couple of days in Athens Greece, a few days in Mykonos, and end your incredible journey with sunsets in Santorini! It’s the perfect way to combine the Greek capital and 2 of the most famous Cyclades islands.
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Athens
Like all great itineraries to Greece, they start in the iconic capital city. Athens! What I love most about Athens is how close all the main attractions are to each other. It makes it easy to explore Athens (mostly) on foot and see all the good stuff in a day or two leaving more time for the main event, Mykonos and Santorini!
Getting to Athens City Center From The Airport
Do yourself a favor and book an airport pick-up from Athens airport. It will save you the time and stress of having to get a taxi. And if you can find a taxi, you may find that most don’t accept credit cards.
Booking an airport pickup also means you don’t have to arrive with Euros in hand for a taxi. The average cost from the airport to the city via taxi is typically around 60 euros. This can vary by time of day and destination in the city, but you get the idea.
When it comes to ride-share apps, Uber and FreeNow both operate in the capital and elsewhere on the mainland. You can order cars while at the airport on arrival, although we can’t guarantee it won’t take you a few tries as drivers can, and do cancel if they get a better offer.
We used Uber from the airport and FreeNow to schedule a car to take us to Rafina port for our early morning ferry – which cost us €31.
If you want to save money, you can take public transport to the city center of Athens from the airport – the Metro M3 costs around €10 per person, takes 16 minutes, and drops visitors in Syntagma Square; likewise, the X95 bus drops you at the same place, and costs around €6 per person, but takes just over 60 minutes.
Depending on the length of your flight, arrival time, and departure time for the ferry (and how much luggage you are comfortable carrying), you might want to splurge and opt for a private or shared transfer for door-to-door service.
Where to Stay in Athens:
- We stayed at Chic Centre Suites Athens. Located a short walk (500m) from Syntagma Square and meters from Ermou shopping street, but on a quiet side street, these self-contained apartments with a fridge and basic cooking facilities were the perfect base and within walking distance to all major attractions.
Extra: If you stay here – or even if you don’t, head around the corner to Street Souvlaki for very cheap and delicious eats. (We ate here 3 times!)
Day 1: Exploring Ancient Athens
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, home to famous landmarks like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Take your time to wander around and soak in the history. (Remember to pre-book your timed entry slot – especially if traveling during the peak season months of July and August.)
- Head down to the Acropolis Museum to see ancient artifacts and learn more about the history of Athens.
Lunch:
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby taverna, my favorite is Zorbas in Plaka. Try some traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki or moussaka.
Afternoon:
- Stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, the old historical neighborhood of Athens. Browse through the shops and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.
- Visit the Ancient Agora, once the heart of public life in Athens, where you can see the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
Evening:
- End your day with a walk up to Lycabettus Hill for a breathtaking sunset view over the city. You can take a funicular up or enjoy a scenic hike.
- Nights in Athens call for dinner at a rooftop restaurant, such as 360 Cocktail Bar, with a view of the Acropolis lit up at night.
Pro Tip: Get the Athens Combo Pass and gain access to all the iconic historical sites in Athens at a reduced price!
Day 2: Discovering Modern Athens
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, where you can see some of the most important artifacts from Greek antiquity.
- Take a leisurely walk through the National Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city. It’s beautiful, and one of the best Free Things to do in Athens.
Lunch:
- Enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant nearby such as Cherchez La Femme!
Afternoon:
- Explore the vibrant Monastiraki neighborhood, known for its flea market and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to shop for antiques, crafts, and vintage items.
- Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in ancient Greece, and the nearby Hadrian’s Arch.
Evening:
- Spend your evening in the Psiri district, known for its nightlife and dining options. Choose a cozy taverna, like Lithos Tavern for dinner and enjoy some live Greek music.
- Take a stroll through the streets and soak in the lively atmosphere before calling it a night.
Tips for Visiting Athens:
- Beware of Pickpockets: Like any major city, Athens has its share of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Keep your belongings secure and stay vigilant.
- Download Apps For Greece Travel: i.e. Free Now for Taxis and avoid hailing a taxi on the street, download the Free Now app. It’s a convenient way to book a ride and get around the city.
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: For major attractions like the Acropolis, it’s wise to buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines at the ticket office.
- Expect Lines in Summer: Summer is the peak tourist season in Athens. Even with a ticket, be prepared to wait in line to enter popular sites like the Parthenon.
- Acropolis Ticket Tips: While you can skip the ticket line by purchasing in advance, you’ll still need to queue to enter the site. Arrive early (in your timeslot) to beat the crowds.
- Try Ouzo: When in Athens, don’t miss the chance to try ouzo, a traditional Greek anise-flavored liqueur. It’s a quintessential part of the local dining experience.
- Stay Hydrated: Athens can get quite hot, especially in the summer. Carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Use Public Transport: Athens has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. It’s an affordable and efficient way to explore the city.
Mykonos
Day 3: Athens to Mykonos
Morning:
- Start your day early and head to either Piraeus or Rafina Port in Athens, where you can catch a ferry to Mykonos Island.
- Ferries typically depart early in the morning, and we recommend pre-booking your ferry tickets.
- There is always traffic to the port, so leave yourself plenty of time.
- Enjoy the scenic ferry ride to Mykonos, which takes about 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the type of ferry you choose.
- Typically the fast ferry (2.5 hours) departs from Piraeus and is slightly more expensive than the one that takes 4.5 hours from Rafina.
- We took the slower ferry from Rafina, meaning that we arrived at Mykonos slightly later, hoping that our accommodation would be ready for check-in (and it was!). We also took the €2pp SeaBus from the port to the old town, tickets are purchased in cash at the dock, located at the end of the road on the way out of the port and alighting at Mykonos Town (3rd stop).
Where to stay in Mykonos: We stayed at the Matogianni Hotel, a lovely little 2* hotel in the heart of the Old Town, a 350m walk from the Mykonos Town Seabus stop.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Mykonos and check into your accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and relax.
- Begin exploring Mykonos Town (Chora). Wander through the narrow, winding streets lined with white-washed buildings and vibrant bougainvillea. Don’t miss the iconic Windmills and the picturesque Little Venice area.
Lunch:
- Grab a bite at a local taverna such as Captain’s Food for Sharing. Try some fresh seafood or a Greek salad.
Evening:
- Head to a beach like Psarou or Paradise Beach for some sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
- As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, like Apaggio Restaurant
- Experience Mykonos’ famous nightlife by visiting one of the many bars or clubs in the town, like the Scandinavian Bar.
Day 4: Exploring Mykonos
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, where you can learn about the island’s history and see artifacts from the nearby island of Delos.
- Take a trip to the sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its archaeological ruins. Guided tours are available, and it’s a short boat ride from Mykonos.
Lunch:
- Return to Mykonos and enjoy lunch at a local street food place such as Pepper Souvlaki & More
Afternoon:
- Spend the afternoon at one of Mykonos’ famous beaches. You can take the water taxi to Elia Beach!
- Alternatively, explore the charming village of Ano Mera, where you can visit the Panagia Tourliani Monastery and enjoy a quieter side of Mykonos. To visit you will want to rent a car.
Evening:
- Head back to Mykonos Town for dinner. Choose a restaurant with a rooftop or seaside view to enjoy the sunset, an incredible choice is 180 Sunset Bar.
Tips for Visiting Mykonos:
- Taxi App: Download the Movve It app for taxis, but keep in mind that taxis are expensive and scarce on the island. Consider alternative transportation options.
- Little Venice: Don’t miss the chance to visit Little Venice, one of the most picturesque areas in Mykonos, known for its charming waterfront buildings.
- Prepare for Crowds: Mykonos is a popular destination, especially in the summer months. Be ready to navigate through crowds, particularly in tourist hotspots.
- Best Time to Visit: If possible, plan your trip for late September. The weather is still beautiful, but the crowds have thinned out, making for a more relaxed experience.
- Beach Club Reservations: If you want to visit popular beach clubs like Paradise, make reservations in advance. Without a reservation, you might not get in.
- Be Mindful of Prices: Mykonos is one of the most expensive Greek islands. Be prepared for high prices, especially in restaurants, clubs, and beachfront areas.
- Things to Avoid in Mykonos: Try to avoid relying solely on taxis for transportation. Also, be cautious of overpriced tourist traps, especially in highly trafficked areas.
- Stay Hydrated: The Greek sun can be intense, especially in the summer. Always carry water with you and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Santorni
Day 5: Mykonos to Santorini
Morning:
- Check out of your accommodation in Mykonos and head to the port to catch a ferry to Santorini Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- NOTE: on arrival, the port will be absolute chaos. Make sure you have pre-booked your transfer to your hotel AND that you go to the right storefront AND triple-check they are the company you think they are.
- Upon arrival in Santorini, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in. Just a heads up, hotels in Santorini – especially in Oia – will be pricey, but if you want the epic views from your bedroom window, it’s just something you have to stump up the money for.
Afternoon:
- There are plenty of Things to do in Santorini, but we would suggest starting in Fira (especially if you are staying there).
- Begin exploring the island with a visit to Fira, the capital of Santorini. Wander through the narrow streets, browse the shops, and take in the panoramic views of the caldera.
- Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira to learn about the island’s ancient history and see artifacts from the Akrotiri excavation.
- Visit a local winery for a wine tasting session. Santorini is famous for its Assyrtiko wine.
Evening:
- Santorini is an island for foodies, so be sure and book a dinner at a highly-rated cliffside restaurant in Fira such as Ifestioni Restaurant. Here you will have sunset views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
Day 6: Exploring Santorini
Morning:
- Take a guided tour of the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, an ancient Minoan settlement preserved in volcanic ash.
- Visit the Black Beach near Akrotiri, known for its unique black-colored sand and cliffs.
Lunch:
- Have lunch at a seaside taverna, such as Mesa Pigadia Taverna.
Afternoon:
- Explore the charming village of Pyrgos, which offers panoramic views of the island and a more authentic look at Santorinian life.
Evening:
- Nights in Santorini mean watching one of those famous Santorini sunsets, which is particularly stunning from the town of Oia in the North of Santorini Island. It’s a popular spot, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Day 7: Say Goodbye to Santorini
Morning:
- Start your day with a leisurely breakfast with a view.
- Spend the morning visiting any of the local shops on your last day on the island.
Fly Back to Athens
The best way to get from Santorini to Athens on your last day is to fly! Especially if your flight home is from Athens airport, and much quicker than the ferry (1 hour flight vs 7 hours sailing!) Often you can find the best deals on flights on Skyscanner.
Tips for Visiting Santorini:
- Arrange Transport from the Ferry: Santorini can be busy, especially in peak season. Arrange your transportation from the ferry port to your hotel in advance to avoid delays.
- Prepare for Crowds: Especially if you’re staying in popular areas like Oia or Fira, be prepared for crowds and traffic. Plan your travel times and routes accordingly.
- Best Time to Visit: Like Mykonos, late September is a great time to visit Santorini. The weather is still lovely, and the island is less crowded than in the peak summer months.
- Make Reservations: Santorini is a popular destination, so it’s wise to make reservations for everything from hotels to restaurants and tours, especially if you’re visiting during the high season.
- Be Ready for Prices: Santorini is known for its stunning views but also for its high prices. Budget accordingly for accommodations, dining, and activities.
- Sunset Spots: Santorini is famous for its sunsets, particularly in Oia. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can get very crowded.
- Comfortable Footwear: With its cobblestone streets and steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring Santorini.
Wrapping Up our Athens Mykonos Santorini Itinerary:
As our 7-day Greece trip through Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini comes to a close, we hope you’ve been inspired to explore these stunning locations for yourself.
From the historic streets of Athens to the vibrant shores of Mykonos and the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the beauty and culture of Greece.
Remember, each destination holds its own unique charm and secrets waiting to be discovered. Safe travels, and may your adventure be as beautiful and fulfilling as the Greek Isles themselves!
And that’s a wrap. We hope our Athens Mykonos Santorini Itinerary has inspired your next (or first!) trip to Greece and the Islands. And if you know of anyone planning their own visit to Greece, please share this post with them or on social media. Sharing is caring and we thank you in advance!
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