10 Day Greece Travel Itinerary for First-Timers

Greece is a destination that every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime. From breathtaking landscapes and rich history to delicious food and vibrant culture, there’s no shortage of reasons to add this beautiful country to your travel bucket list. Creating the perfect Greece travel itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many islands and experiences to choose from. The logistics of ferry schedules and deciding how much time to spend on each island can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors.

That’s why I’ve crafted this 10 day Greece travel itinerary specifically for those visiting for the first time. It highlights the must-see spots while giving you ample time to relax and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

On my first trip to Greece, I visited Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, and it turned out to be the perfect combination. After countless hours of research, I felt confident that our time spent in each place was just right.

Greece Travel Itinerary 10 Days

Athens was an important stop for us, especially since it was our first time visiting Greece. Like many travelers, we were eager to see the Acropolis and other historical landmarks. Including Athens in our itinerary turned out to be a great decision, especially because flights into the city were much more affordable compared to the islands. However, after exploring Athens, I don’t feel a strong urge to return anytime soon, but more on that later.

Now, let’s talk about the Greek islands. Few places have surpassed my expectations as much as Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Each island has its own unique character and offers something truly special. The experience was so delightful that I immediately wished I could plan another trip to Greece for the following year.

In summary, this Greece travel itinerary 10 days worked perfectly for our first trip to the region, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time. In this post, I’ll cover how many days to spend at each destination, what to do, and how to travel between these amazing places.

I’ll also share some thoughts for those who may have already visited Greece, including suggestions on how to modify the itinerary if you want to skip Athens, as well as tips for adjusting the trip to either 7 days or extending it to 2 weeks.

Day 1-2: Athens

Spending two nights and one full day in Athens is an essential part of any first-time trip to Greece. As the starting point for most international travelers, especially those arriving from the US, you’ll likely land in Athens by the afternoon or early evening. With this in mind, having two nights in the city allows you to make the most of your one full day of sightseeing.

Though it will be a fast-paced experience, you’ll have enough time to explore the iconic Acropolis, stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood (or join a guided walking tour), step back in time at the Ancient Agora, and squeeze in a quick visit to one of Athens’ renowned museums.

While it may feel a bit rushed, prioritizing Athens on a tight schedule allows you to spend more time soaking in the beauty of the Greek islands, without missing out on the must-see highlights of the capital. After all, with only 10 days in Greece, striking a balance between the mainland and the islands is key to making the most of your adventure.

Why I’m Comfortable Moving Quickly Through Athens

Athens may not live up to the picturesque image that many travelers have in mind. Much of the city feels worn down, with a sense of grit and pollution lingering in the air, reflecting the economic struggles Greece has faced in recent years.

That said, the Plaka neighborhood stands out as a glimpse into Athens’ charming past. Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is a winding network of narrow streets, filled with cozy tavernas and an abundance of souvenir shops. While it’s undeniably touristy, it’s also the most atmospheric spot in the city, steeped in history that you can almost feel as you wander through its ancient lanes.

If you have time, it’s worth taking a quick detour to explore the nearby neighborhoods like Psyrri, known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and lively restaurants. Monastiraki and Syntagma are also worth a brief visit, though they may not leave you with lasting impressions.

After spending a few days in Athens (with one day dedicated to visiting Hydra), I realized I could have been perfectly happy seeing just the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and exploring Plaka before heading off to the islands. Unless you’re a dedicated history enthusiast who wants to explore multiple museums and ancient sites, two nights and one full day should be more than enough to experience the essence of Athens. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the city’s history, three nights might give you the time you need.

Day 3-5: Mykonos

Mykonos is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable destinations I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. The town of Chora, with its maze-like streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant shutters, quaint boutique shops, and the striking fuchsia bougainvillea draping over doorways, is a place I could easily get lost in for days. It’s a dream for photographers and travelers alike, with picture-perfect scenes at every turn.

Although Mykonos is often labeled as a “party island,” there is so much more to this vibrant place than its nightlife. Sure, for those who love to party, the island offers plenty of beach clubs, day clubs, and nightclubs that could keep you entertained for days, or even weeks. But what truly surprised me was how much more there is to discover here beyond the party scene.

For those like us who prefer a quieter pace, Mykonos offers early morning strolls through peaceful streets, exploring the town before the hustle and bustle begins. We love soaking in the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive, and Mykonos gave us exactly that.

Three nights and three days is the ideal amount of time to fully experience Mykonos during a 10-day trip to Greece. It allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of Chora (Mykonos town), enjoy a seaside sunset cocktail in Little Venice, spend a relaxing day at Scorpios – one of the most famous beach clubs on the island, admire the iconic windmills, and savor the breathtaking views from 180 Sunset Bar. Don’t forget to indulge in some downtime by your hotel pool while capturing endless photos of this beautiful island.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby island of Delos is highly recommended, as it’s a site of immense historical significance.

On our fourth day, we opted to rent a car and explore the entire island. While it was a memorable experience, I wouldn’t say it’s essential to do so, especially if it means cutting time from your stay in Paros or Santorini. That’s why I’m confident that 3 days in Mykonos will be more than enough for the average traveler to enjoy the best the island has to offer.

Arrival in Mykonos

The best way to travel from Athens to Mykonos is by ferry. It’s a comfortable and relatively affordable option. The high-speed ferry will get you to Mykonos in approximately 2.5 hours, with a ticket costing around €60. While there are cheaper ferries available, keep in mind that they can take up to 5.5 hours, so be sure to check the total travel time before booking!

It’s best to book your tickets in advance to secure the best price and your preferred departure time. I used Go-Ferry to compare ferry companies and schedules, and you can either book directly from their site or through the individual ferry companies. The most popular ferry operators for this route are Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets.

Make sure to arrive at the port at least an hour before departure. Many of these ferries are huge, almost cruise-ship size, and arriving early will ensure you get a good seat and have plenty of time to store your luggage without feeling rushed. Ferries leave from Piraeus Harbor, about 30 minutes from central Athens. While Uber isn’t available in Athens, you can still use the Uber app to book a taxi.

Upon arrival in Mykonos, your ferry will most likely dock at the Old Port. The best way to get from Old Port to Mykonos town (Chora) is by Sea Bus, regular bus, or arranging a transfer with your hotel. Welcome Pickups is another great option. Just keep in mind that taxis are scarce on the island, so they shouldn’t be relied upon.

We opted for the Sea Bus from Old Port to Mykonos town, and I highly recommend it. Departures are every 30 minutes, tickets cost just €2, and the ride takes about 5 minutes. From there, we were able to walk straight to our hotel in Mykonos town.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

When you choose to visit Mykonos plays a big role in shaping your experience. We visited in mid-May, during the shoulder season. By July and August, the party scene is in full swing.

This is also the time when the island is packed with cruise ship passengers, and the crowds are at their peak. By visiting outside of this window, we were able to avoid the overwhelming crowds and noise, which definitely enhanced our stay.

If you’re visiting during the summer and prefer to avoid large crowds or loud parties, I recommend staying outside of Mykonos town (Chora). The town can get pretty lively in the evenings, and the noise might not be ideal if you’re seeking peace and quiet.

For those traveling in July or August, I would also suggest considering shortening your time in Mykonos to just two nights and adding an extra night in Paros. Paros offers a more relaxed version of Mykonos and tends to be less chaotic during the busy summer months.

Alternatively, you could skip Mykonos entirely and opt for Naxos, which is just next to Paros. Naxos offers a beautiful and more tranquil escape.

Day 6-7: Paros

Paros offers a refreshing escape after the crowded streets of Mykonos. Locals often say that Paros is reminiscent of what Mykonos was like before it became a popular tourist destination with higher prices. The island has a more relaxed and charming atmosphere, with Naoussa, its main town, being a smaller and less crowded version of Mykonos town.

Although not featured in many travel guides, Paros has a lot to offer. It’s more affordable than Santorini and Mykonos, with some of the best beaches in Greece, incredible food, and a picturesque harbor that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook.

Many also believe Paros feels more authentic and less pretentious than both Mykonos and Santorini, and I couldn’t agree more. While Paros has gained popularity after being ranked as the #1 island in Europe by Travel and Leisure in 2018 and 2020, it still manages to maintain its authenticity and remains less crowded than its famous neighbors.

Paros is ideal for slowing down, relaxing at the beach, sailing around the nearby islands, and savoring long, leisurely meals. Two days and two nights in Paros is the perfect amount of time on a 10-day Greece itinerary. Mykonos might have more activities, which is why I’d suggest staying there an extra night, but if you prefer a slower pace, you could consider spending two nights in Mykonos and three nights in Paros instead.

If you have additional time in Paros, you could also take a day trip to nearby Antiparos, a charming island known for its relaxed vibe and stunning beaches. It’s also famously known as the holiday retreat of celebrities like Tom Hanks.

Arrival in Paros

The ferry ride from Mykonos to Paros is quick and hassle-free. The high-speed ferry takes less than an hour and costs between €20 to €40 if you book in advance. Websites like Go-Ferry provide a full schedule and list the ferry services operating between the islands. It’s a good idea to book your tickets either through Go-Ferry or directly with the ferry company. Make sure to arrive about 45 minutes before departure to get a good seat and have enough time to store your luggage comfortably.

The main ferry port in Paros is located in Parikia. From there, it’s about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride to Naoussa, which is where most tourists choose to stay.

You can arrange for a transfer with your hotel, use services like Welcome Pickups, or simply take the public bus.

As for taxis, they shouldn’t be your first choice since there are very few on the island, and availability can be unreliable.

Jake and I decided to rent a car while in Paros since we planned to explore several beaches around the island. Having a car gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace. It’s worth mentioning that Paros is one of the easiest Greek islands for renting and driving a car.

Driving in Mykonos, on the other hand, was stressful, to say the least, and I wouldn’t even consider it in Santorini.

Day 8-10: Santorini

Santorini will truly leave you speechless. Calling the views “spectacular” barely scratches the surface. With its luxurious hotels, private plunge pools overlooking the caldera, romantic tavernas, and sunset catamaran cruises, Santorini is a dream destination for honeymooners.

It’s easy to understand why so many couples seeking romance and luxury choose Santorini.

That said, don’t think of Santorini as a destination just for couples. Just like how Mykonos is much more than just a party island, Santorini offers something for everyone. I spent three nights here traveling solo and absolutely loved every moment.

For those interested in history and activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. You can escape the crowds and explore the medieval town of Pyrgos, join a winery tour, have a seaside lunch at Ammoudi Bay, dive into Santorini’s rich history at the Akrotiri archaeological site, or hike the scenic path from Fira to Oia.

Arrival in Santorini

The ferry port in Paros is relatively small, so arriving 30 minutes before departure should be more than enough time (or 45 minutes if you prefer extra caution). The ferry from Paros to Santorini takes about 2 hours and costs between €20 to €60 if booked in advance. As usual, you can check departure times and book your tickets through Go-Ferry or directly from the ferry company.

The ferry from Paros will dock at Athinios port in Santorini, which can also be referred to as New Port or Thira Port, just to keep things a little confusing.

Public buses are scheduled to coincide with ferry arrivals, making the journey simple and on time. After you disembark, turn left, and you’ll find the bus area. The ride to Thira (also known as Fira) takes about 20 minutes, and tickets cost €2.30 (cash only).

Since we were staying just outside Thira, we chose the bus. However, if you’re staying in Oia, you’ll need to change buses, so it might be more convenient to prearrange a transfer with your hotel or use Welcome Pickups.

Three nights in Santorini is the perfect amount of time to explore the main towns of Oia and Fira, take a stunning sunset catamaran cruise, relax by your hotel pool, and still have time to enjoy another activity, such as spending a few hours in the charming town of Pyrgos or taking a winery tour.

7-Day Greece Itinerary

For a 7-day Greece itinerary, I recommend skipping Athens entirely and flying directly into either Santorini or Mykonos, even if it’s a bit more expensive. With limited time, it’s best to focus on the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros.

• 3 nights in Mykonos
• 1 night in Paros
• 3 nights in Santorini

Make sure to catch the earliest ferry possible from Mykonos to Paros to maximize your time, allowing you to enjoy two full days in Paros before moving on to Santorini.

2 Weeks in Greece Itinerary

If you have more time and are planning a 2-week Greece itinerary, here’s a suggestion:

• 3 nights in Athens, including a day trip to Hydra
• 4 nights in Mykonos
• 3 nights in Paros, with a day trip to Naxos and/or Antiparos
• 4 nights in Santorini

This itinerary allows you to fully explore both the historical wonders of Athens and the beautiful islands, giving you a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

I hope this helps you map out your 10-day itinerary for Greece. It’s a well-balanced plan for a first trip, covering the “must-see” destinations without feeling too rushed.