14 Day Greece Itinerary
Explore ancient Athens, party on Mykonos beaches, watch legendary Santorini sunsets, and discover authentic Crete. This two-week Greece adventure balances iconic sights with island relaxation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Athens, explore the charming Plaka neighborhood and get oriented
Pro tip: Athens dining starts late - restaurants don't get busy until 9pm. Pace yourself on day one.
Route Map
Budget Breakdown
Estimated cost per person for 14 days. Includes accommodation, all meals, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Does not include international flights or travel insurance.
| Category | Daily | Total |
|---|---|---|
| accommodation | $140 | $1960 |
| food | $85 | $1190 |
| transport | $45 | $630 |
| activities | $35 | $490 |
| misc | $20 | $280 |
| Total | $325 | $4550 |
* Budget tier: mid-range. Prices in USD per person.
Money-saving tips:
- Book ferries in advance for better prices, especially in summer
- Eat lunch at tavernas instead of dinner - same food, better prices
- Stay in less touristy areas like Megalochori on Santorini for savings
- Use public buses instead of taxis when possible - reliable and cheap
- Buy archaeological combo tickets to save on multiple site entries
When to Go
Perfect weather, fewer crowds, reasonable prices, calm seas for ferries
Extreme heat, massive crowds, highest prices, ferry disruptions from strong winds
Neighborhood Guide
Get oriented before you arrive — what each area feels like and how to get around.
Plaka
good walkabilityNarrow cobblestone streets wind between neoclassical houses where bougainvillea spills over wrought-iron balconies. The sound of bouzouki drifts from tavernas while cats nap in doorways of century-old shops.
Known for: Historic old town with traditional architecture and souvenir shops
Local tip: Locals come here early morning for coffee at Dionysos before the tourist crowds, and avoid the main shopping streets entirely
Transit: Monastiraki Metro Station (M1/M3 lines)
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Acropolis & Surroundings
moderate walkabilityAncient marble gleams under Mediterranean sun while modern Athens sprawls below. The weight of 2,500 years of history feels tangible as you walk the same paths as Pericles.
Known for: Parthenon and ancient Greek monuments
Local tip: Enter through the south slope entrance to avoid crowds and get better photos
Transit: Acropoli Metro Station (M2 line)
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Mykonos Town (Chora)
excellent walkabilityWhitewashed cubic houses create a maze designed to confuse pirates, now filled with designer boutiques. The scent of jasmine mingles with expensive perfume as Maseratis purr down narrow alleys.
Known for: Cycladic architecture and luxury shopping
Local tip: Locals shop and dine in the back streets behind Matogianni Street where prices are half the cost
Transit: Walking from Old Port or New Port
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Paradise Beach Area
poor walkabilityThumping electronic beats pulse across golden sand while bronzed bodies sip champagne from sun loungers. It's Spring Break energy meets European sophistication with a hefty price tag.
Known for: Beach clubs and nightlife scene
Local tip: Locals avoid Paradise entirely - they go to Fokos Beach on the north shore for actual relaxation
Transit: Bus from Fabrika Station or taxi
Best time: afternoon
Not stroller-friendly
Fira
good walkabilityCliffside terraces tumble toward an impossible blue caldera while donkey bells echo up ancient steps. Every corner promises a postcard view, but the crowds can make you feel like you're in a theme park.
Known for: Caldera views and sunset dining
Local tip: Locals take the cable car up from the port - only tourists use the donkey path
Transit: Cable car from cruise port or bus from airport
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Akrotiri Area
moderate walkabilityDramatic red cliffs plunge into turquoise water while ancient ruins whisper stories of Bronze Age civilization. It feels like the edge of the world, raw and magnificent.
Known for: Archaeological site and Red Beach
Local tip: Locals prefer the small tavernas in Akrotiri village over the touristy beachside spots
Transit: Bus from Fira or rental car/scooter
Best time: morning
Not stroller-friendly
Chania Old Town
excellent walkabilityVenetian mansions lean over narrow harbor channels while fishing boats bob beside luxury yachts. The air smells of sea salt, grilled octopus, and centuries of maritime history.
Known for: Venetian harbor and Ottoman architecture
Local tip: Locals eat at the tavernas in the back alleys behind the leather shops, not the harbor-front restaurants
Transit: Walking from central Chania
Best time: evening
What to Eat inGreece
Athens
Eating etiquette
- •Greeks eat dinner after 9pm - restaurants opening before 8pm cater to tourists
- •Bread is free but olives cost extra
- •Sharing plates is expected - order 2-3 dishes per person
Breakfast
Greeks don't eat big breakfasts - grab a bougatsa (custard pastry) and Greek coffee from a zaharoplastio
Lunch
Find a psitopolio (grill house) away from tourist areas for €8-12 portions that could feed two people
Dinner
Make reservations for 9:30pm or later. Dinner is social and long - expect 2+ hours. Ask for the house wine.
Dishes you can't miss
Perfect char on the meat, hand-cut fries, real tzatziki
Thanasis in Monastiraki · €2.50-3
No lettuce, just tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta - taste how simple can be perfect
Any traditional taverna · €6-8
Street food highlights
Mykonos
Eating etiquette
- •Everything is 3x mainland prices - this is normal
- •Beach clubs charge €40+ just for a sunbed
- •Tips are expected at upscale places
Breakfast
Most hotels include breakfast - take advantage. Otherwise, grab a croissant and freddo cappuccino
Lunch
Eat away from the windmills and Little Venice - try Maereio or neighborhoods behind the port
Dinner
Reservations essential in summer. Dinner starts late (9pm+). Pre-drinks at hotel to save money.
Dishes you can't miss
Local spicy cheese you can't get anywhere else
Kikis Tavern (if you can get there) · €12-15
Fresh from Mykonos waters, worth the splurge
Sea Satin Market · €35-45
Street food highlights
Santorini
Eating etiquette
- •Caldera view = tourist prices
- •Local wine is excellent and reasonably priced
- •Don't order seafood unless you're at the port
Breakfast
Hotel breakfast or grab a spinach pie (spanakopita) and Greek coffee from a local bakery
Lunch
Eat inland at Pyrgos or Megalochori - same food, half the price, no crowds
Dinner
Sunset dinner reservations book weeks ahead. Eat late (9pm+) when day-trippers leave.
Dishes you can't miss
Made from tiny sweet Santorini tomatoes - completely different from mainland versions
Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia · €8-10
Indigenous variety that's creamier and less bitter
Local tavernas in Pyrgos · €6-8
Street food highlights
Crete
Eating etiquette
- •Cretans are proud of their cuisine - ask about local specialties
- •Raki (tsikoudia) comes free after meals
- •Portions are generous - order conservatively
Breakfast
Traditional Cretan breakfast is rusks with tomato and cheese, but hotels serve international options
Lunch
Find a 'mageirio' (home-cooking restaurant) for €8-12 complete meals with multiple courses
Dinner
Dinner after 9pm. Family-run tavernas are best. Ask 'What's good today?' instead of ordering from menu.
Dishes you can't miss
Cretan barley rusks with tomato, mizithra cheese, and olive oil - pure Crete
Any traditional taverna · €5-7
Lamb slow-cooked around an open fire - ancient Cretan technique
Tavernas in Chania mountains · €18-25
Street food highlights
Getting Between Cities
How to book: Book online at seajets.gr or at Piraeus Port ticket offices. Print tickets or download app.
Platform: Take Metro M1 to Piraeus, then follow signs to Gates E1-E12. Arrive 1 hour early in summer.
Luggage: Unlimited luggage on ferries - pack whatever you want. Storage areas on lower decks.
Pro tip: Book numbered seats on upper deck for better views and less engine noise
How to book: Book online or at Mykonos Port. High season sells out - book 2-3 days ahead.
Platform: New Port of Mykonos (Tourlos) - take bus or taxi from town. Check which port on ticket.
Luggage: Same unlimited policy. Tag your bags with contact info - ferries get busy.
Pro tip: Right side (starboard) for better island views during departure
How to book: At Santorini Port or online. Fast ferries book up quickly in summer.
Platform: Athinios Port in Santorini - take bus from Fira (€2.30) or taxi (€15-20).
Luggage: If taking night ferry, you can book a cabin and sleep during crossing.
Pro tip: Fast ferry: any seat fine. Night ferry: book a cabin for €20-30 extra
Daily Walking Distances
Packing List
Greek sun is intense, especially reflecting off white buildings and water
Marble steps in Santorini and cobblestones everywhere get slippery
For monastery visits and evening ferry rides - required for religious sites
Essential for Balos Lagoon boat trip and hot springs in Santorini
Long days exploring islands with limited charging opportunities
Ferry rides can be rough, especially the Santorini-Crete crossing
Beach hopping across multiple islands - need dry options
Mykonos gets windy (hence the windmills) and ferry decks are breezy
For day trips to Delos, Aegina, and Balos - hotel storage between islands
Rocky beaches at Red Beach and hot springs have sharp volcanic rocks
No shade at archaeological sites like Acropolis and Delos
Hot weather and lots of walking - Greek tap water is safe but not always tasty
For valuables during swimming and boat trips
Skip These
Save your time and money — here's what to skip and what to do instead.
5-minute ceremony that draws massive crowds for something you can see better on YouTube
→ Instead:Walk through the National Garden behind Syntagma - peaceful oasis with free peacocks and shade
Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, overpriced drinks, and you can barely see the sunset through the people
→ Instead:Watch sunset from Armenistis Lighthouse - 10-minute drive, no crowds, better views
€80+ per person for mediocre food with a view blocked by phone screens and crowds
→ Instead:Eat early dinner in Pyrgos, then drive to Skaros Rock for sunset - better views, no crowds
Mass-produced 'Greek' souvenirs made in China at tourist prices
→ Instead:Shop at Monastiraki Flea Market Sunday mornings for actual vintage finds and local crafts
€40 minimum spend for a beach chair, watered-down drinks, and music so loud you can't talk
→ Instead:Go to Fokos Beach for free access and bring your own snacks, or try Kalo Livadi for a more relaxed vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 14 days enough for Greece?
Yes, 14 days allows you to see Athens, 2-3 islands, and experience ancient sites, beautiful beaches, and island culture without rushing. You could see more islands but this pace lets you actually enjoy each place.
How much does 14 days in Greece cost?
Budget travelers can do it for $2,500-3,000 per person, mid-range $3,500-4,500, and luxury $6,000+ per person. Island accommodation and summer travel significantly increase costs.
What is the best month to visit Greece?
May and September offer the best combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. April and October are also excellent. Avoid July-August due to extreme heat and crowds.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU citizens need no visa for stays under 90 days. Just bring a passport valid for 6+ months. Greece is part of the Schengen zone.
How do I get between Greek islands?
High-speed ferries connect major islands (2-4 hours between islands). Book online in advance, especially in summer. Budget airlines also fly between some islands and Athens.
Is Santorini really that expensive?
Yes, especially accommodation and dining. Budget $200+ per night for decent hotels and $40-80 for dinner. Mykonos is similarly priced. Consider staying in less touristy areas like Megalochori.
Travel Tips forGreece
Cash is Still King
Many tavernas and small shops only accept cash. ATMs are widely available but can have fees. Tipping 10% at restaurants is standard if service charge not included.
Ferry Booking Strategy
Book ferries 1-2 weeks ahead in summer. High-speed ferries cost more but save time. Sit inside if prone to seasickness - the Aegean can be choppy.
Dining Hours Matter
Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner starts at 9pm or later. Many restaurants close 3-7pm. Tavernas are more casual than restaurants - both serve great food.
Island Hopping Logistics
Don't try to see too many islands. Each ferry connection takes half a day. Better to spend 3+ nights per island than rush between them.
Summer Heat Precautions
July-August temperatures hit 35°C+. Plan outdoor activities for morning and evening. Siesta 2-5pm is practical, not lazy. Always carry water.
Essential Info
Euro (€) used everywhere. Cards widely accepted in tourist areas but carry cash for small tavernas and transportation. ATM fees typically €3-5.
10% at restaurants if no service charge. Round up taxi fares. €1-2 per bag for hotel porters. Tip not expected at bars or cafes.
Cosmote or Vodafone Greece for best coverage. Tourist SIM cards available at airports. eSIM options like Airalo work well.
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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