10 Day Greece Itinerary
Experience Greece's perfect blend of ancient history and island paradise. From Athens' Acropolis to Santorini's blue domes and Mykonos' windmills, this itinerary balances must-see sites with relaxed island time.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Gentle arrival day exploring Athens' historic Plaka neighborhood
Pro tip: Athens traffic is intense - stick to walking in Plaka area on arrival day.
Route Map
Budget Breakdown
Estimated cost per person for 10 days. Includes accommodation, all meals, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Does not include international flights or travel insurance.
| Category | Daily | Total |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | $103 | $1030 |
| food | $68 | $680 |
| transport | $49 | $490 |
| activities | $21 | $210 |
| misc | $15 | $150 |
| Total | $256 | $2560 |
* Budget tier: mid-range. Prices in USD per person.
Money-saving tips:
- Eat at local tavernas away from tourist areas for 30-40% savings
- Use public buses instead of taxis - reliable and cheap (€1.80 vs €15-25)
- Book accommodation with breakfast included to save €10-15 daily
- Buy ferry tickets online in advance for better prices and seat selection
- Shop at local markets and bakeries for snacks and lunch ingredients
When to Go
Perfect weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, all sites open
Extreme heat, massive crowds, highest prices, ferry delays
Neighborhood Guide
Get oriented before you arrive — what each area feels like and how to get around.
Plaka
excellent walkabilityCobblestone streets wind between neoclassical buildings where the scent of souvlaki mingles with jasmine from hidden courtyards. Every corner reveals another small taverna with tables spilling onto the sidewalk, creating an intimate village feel in the heart of the ancient city.
Known for: Historic old town with traditional tavernas and souvenir shops
Local tip: Locals shop for traditional Greek products at the small family-run stores on Kidathineon Street early morning before tourists arrive
Transit: Monastiraki Metro Station (Lines 1 & 3), 2-minute walk
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Monastiraki
excellent walkabilityThe air buzzes with haggling voices and the clink of worry beads as vendors spread antiques across blankets. Ancient ruins peek between modern cafés, and the call to prayer from the nearby mosque adds an unexpected soundtrack to your coffee break.
Known for: Flea market, ancient Agora views, and eclectic shopping
Local tip: The best antique finds are at the Sunday flea market, but locals know to arrive before 9am for the real treasures
Transit: Monastiraki Metro Station (Lines 1 & 3), direct access
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Oia
good walkabilityWhite-washed walls glow golden in the afternoon light while church bells echo across terraces carved into volcanic cliffs. The narrow paths feel like walking through a postcard, but with the authentic sounds of Greek conversation drifting from family-run restaurants.
Known for: Iconic sunset views and traditional Cycladic architecture
Local tip: Locals avoid the main sunset spot and watch from the ruins of the Byzantine castle - same view, no crowds
Transit: Bus terminal at village entrance, 20-minute ride from Fira
Best time: early morning or late afternoon
Not stroller-friendly
Fira
good walkabilityCaldera views stretch endlessly while donkeys clip-clop down ancient stone steps. The energy shifts between peaceful morning coffee terraces to bustling evening restaurant scenes, all perched dramatically on the crater's edge.
Known for: Central hub with caldera views, shopping, and nightlife
Local tip: Take the cable car up from the port - the donkey path is overcrowded and unpleasant for both tourists and animals
Transit: Central bus station connects to all villages
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Mykonos Town (Chora)
excellent walkabilityMaze-like alleys pulse with music from hidden bars while bougainvillea cascades over whitewashed walls. The atmosphere shifts from sleepy fishing village in the morning to glamorous party destination after dark, with designer boutiques tucked between traditional tavernas.
Known for: Windmills, Little Venice, and vibrant nightlife
Local tip: Locals do their shopping and errands before 10am, then retreat until evening when the day-trip crowds leave
Transit: Central bus station for island beaches, 10-minute walk from port
Best time: early morning or evening
Not stroller-friendly
What to Eat inGreece
Athens
Eating etiquette
- •Greeks eat dinner very late (9-11pm)
- •Sharing mezze plates is expected
- •Don't ask for extra cheese on everything
- •Coffee is leisurely - never to-go
Breakfast
Greeks typically have light breakfasts - a coffee and perhaps a koulouri (pretzel) or spanakopita from a street vendor
Lunch
Look for tavernas offering 'piato tis imeras' (dish of the day) - usually the best value and freshest option
Dinner
Dinner starts around 9pm. Book ahead for popular places or be prepared to wait. Greeks linger over meals for hours
Dishes you can't miss
Been grilling the same recipe since 1964, locals queue here daily
Monastiraki (Mitropoleos 69) · €8-12
Traditional recipe with béchamel made fresh daily, plus Acropolis views
Near Acropolis · €18-22
Street food highlights
Santorini
Eating etiquette
- •Tipping 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory
- •Don't rush meals - dining is an experience
- •Try local Assyrtiko wine with seafood
Breakfast
Hotel breakfasts are often elaborate, but locals grab a freddo espresso and pastry from local bakeries
Lunch
Avoid caldera-view restaurants at lunch - same food costs 3x more. Head inland to Pyrgos or Megalochori
Dinner
Book sunset dinner tables weeks ahead. Non-sunset restaurants offer same food at half the price after 7pm
Dishes you can't miss
Made from local yellow split peas grown in volcanic soil - nowhere else tastes like this
Selene Restaurant, Pyrgos · €12-15
Cherry tomatoes grown in volcanic ash create intense flavor
Metaxi Mas, Exo Gonia · €8-10
Street food highlights
Mykonos
Eating etiquette
- •Beach clubs charge premium prices - eat before you go
- •Reservations essential in summer
- •Greeks eat very late - restaurants fill up after 10pm
Breakfast
Most locals have coffee and a small pastry. Hotel breakfasts are tourist-focused and expensive
Lunch
Avoid restaurants in Little Venice and near windmills. Walk 5 minutes inland for half the price
Dinner
Make reservations for popular spots. Many restaurants don't open until 7pm, peak time is 9-11pm
Dishes you can't miss
Local spicy cheese made only on Mykonos, best version on the island
Fokos Taverna · €12-15
No-frills beachside tavern, locals drive across island for this octopus
Kiki's Tavern, Agios Sostis · €16-20
Street food highlights
Getting Between Cities
How to book: Book online directly with airlines or through Aegean website. Check-in online to save time
Platform: Athens airport domestic terminal is small - arrive 1.5 hours early in summer
Luggage: 20kg included with most fares. Summer flights often oversold - arrive early
Pro tip: Right side windows for Cyclades island views during landing
How to book: Buy online at ferries.gr or at port ticket office. Book 2-3 days ahead in summer
Platform: Arrive at Athinios port 30 minutes early. Free shuttle buses from Fira run every 30 minutes
Luggage: No weight restrictions. Store large bags in designated areas on lower deck
Pro tip: Upper deck outdoor seating for best views, but bring wind protection
Daily Walking Distances
Packing List
Intense Greek sun reflects off white buildings and water - regular SPF won't cut it
Cobblestones in Plaka and uneven volcanic paths in Santorini destroy regular sandals
Required for entering churches/monasteries, plus useful for windy ferry rides
You'll be taking photos constantly and using GPS - outlets are scarce on beaches
Red Beach in Santorini has sharp volcanic pebbles that hurt bare feet
For carrying water, sunscreen, and purchases while exploring narrow streets
Multiple beach days and humidity means clothes dry slowly
Sudden summer storms and windy ferry rides, especially in Mykonos
Shoulders and knees must be covered in all Greek Orthodox churches
Greek sun and alcohol can dehydrate you quickly - pharmacies are expensive
Many tavernas and beach bars don't take cards, tipping requires small notes
Protect phone and valuables from sand and sea spray on beaches
Island nightlife is dressy - casual clothes won't get you into better venues
Ferry from Santorini to Mykonos can be choppy, especially afternoon departures
Skip These
Save your time and money — here's what to skip and what to do instead.
5-minute ceremony with huge crowds for minimal payoff - it's just soldiers walking in formation
→ Instead:Walk through National Garden behind Syntagma - peaceful oasis with locals jogging and families picnicking
Tiny beach packed with hundreds of people, difficult access, and better beaches exist
→ Instead:Visit Kamari Beach instead - black sand, easy access, great tavernas, and actual space to relax
Overpriced beach club scene with €15 cocktails and aggressive party atmosphere - not relaxing
→ Instead:Head to Fokos Beach - pristine, family-run taverna, same beautiful water without the crowds
Tourist trap pricing (€40+ mains) for mediocre food just because tables are by the water
→ Instead:Eat inland at Koursaros or M-eating - same quality food at half the price, 3-minute walk
€80+ for crowded boat with unlimited cheap wine and drunk tourists blocking views
→ Instead:Watch sunset from Imerovigli village - free, peaceful, and equally stunning views without the chaos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
Yes, 10 days allows you to see Athens' ancient sites and 2-3 Greek islands comfortably. This itinerary covers the highlights without rushing, giving you time to relax on beaches and experience local culture. You could easily extend to 14 days to add more islands like Naxos or Paros.
How much does 10 days in Greece cost?
A 10-day Greece trip averages $200-300 per person per day for mid-range travel. Budget travelers can do it for $100-150 daily, while luxury trips run $400-600+. Major costs are accommodation ($60-150/night), ferries ($50-100 between islands), and meals ($30-60/day). Book early for better ferry and hotel prices.
What is the best month to visit Greece?
May, June, and September are ideal - warm weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. July-August are hottest with peak crowds and prices. April and October offer good weather but some island services may be limited. Avoid winter (Nov-Mar) for islands as many hotels and restaurants close.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
US, UK, Canada, and Australia citizens need no visa for stays under 90 days. Just bring a passport valid for 6+ months. EU citizens only need ID cards. Greece is part of Schengen area, so one entry covers 26 European countries. Check latest requirements as rules can change.
Travel Tips forGreece
Book ferries in advance
Summer ferries between islands sell out quickly, especially high-speed routes. Book online at least 2-3 weeks ahead for July-August travel. SeaJets and Blue Star are the main companies.
Cash is still king
Many tavernas, especially on smaller islands, only accept cash. ATMs are common but can run out on weekends. Tipping 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
Respect siesta time
Many shops and restaurants close 2-5pm, especially in summer heat. Plan sightseeing for morning and evening. Greeks dine late - dinner rarely starts before 8pm.
Order like a local
Meals are meant for sharing - order several mezze plates for the table. Don't miss local specialties like Santorini fava, Mykonos kopanisti cheese, and fresh seafood.
Watch for scooter traffic
Narrow island streets mix pedestrians with scooters and donkeys. Step aside when you hear a horn. Many streets are marble - very slippery when wet.
Essential Info
Euro (€) used everywhere. Cards widely accepted in cities, but bring cash for small tavernas and ferry tickets. ATMs available on all islands.
5-10% at restaurants if satisfied. Round up taxi fares. €1-2 per bag for hotel porters. No tipping at cafes or bars.
Cosmote or Vodafone Greece eSIM with 10GB costs €15-20, good coverage on all islands
More Options inGreece
Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.
More Restaurants
More Activities
Cafes & Coffee
Bars & Nightlife
Shopping
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