10 Days in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

This 10-day itinerary hits the two most popular Cyclades islands, for stunning seascapes, gorgeous beaches, and unbelievable sunsets. Add Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, teeming with archaeological sites and rugged nature. Top it off with two sensational days in Athens.

You'll begin in Athens, making the most of your brief time in the city at such top attractions as the Monastiraki flea market and the sprawling National Museum. Next day, an interactive immersion in Classical Greek mythology begins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis, then be wowed by the Acropolis Museum and, at night, by a visit to the Athens Observatory.

Begin day three by hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos, known for its iconic windmills, jet-set crowds, vibrant art scene, and even more vivacious nightlife. Upon arrival, spend your afternoon sunning at remote Agios Sostis beach or windsurfing at Ftelia Beach. Next day, take a short ferry ride to the archaeological site at Delos—the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Now head to Santorini, with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views. You'll start with a stroll through Oia, followed by a trip up to the highest peak on the island, then to the medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos, ending with sunset wine tasting at the caldera's edge. On day six, a cultural immersion in Fira includes the Archaeological Museum of Santorini and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera; then relax as you enjoy a catamaran cruise around the island, with stops at beaches for snorkeling, and swimming in the hot springs at Nea Kameni. Then take the ferry to Crete.

On day seven, explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos, followed by a guided stroll through Heraklion, taking in such highlights as the Koules Venetian fortress and the Archaeological Museum. Next day, explore Chania—centered on a charming 14th-century harbor—and neighboring villages, plus the off-the-beaten-track waterfront Halepa and Tabakaria districts.

Back in Athens on day nine, you’ll savor the best of Greek cuisine as you explore the Varvakios Market, the city's main spice street, and the teeming Koukaki neighborhood, with its off-the-beaten-path tavernas and wine bars. Learn more.

Itinerary #2: Relaxing Secret Cyclades

Four lesser-known Cyclades isles—Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios—highlight this sensational 10-day itinerary, chock-full of ancient ruins, pilgrimage sites, fabulous culinary experiences, and more.

Make the most of your brief time in Athens at such top attractions as the Monastiraki flea market, the sprawling National Museum, and the Acropolis. Next day catch the ferry to Syros, with time to explore the lovely Cycladic capital, including the medieval hilltop settlement of Ano Syros.

Then, day three, journey to Tinos, one of the Cyclades’ most under-the-radar, and religiously devout isles, with scores of windmills and dovecotes. Next day, you’ll pick fresh ingredients and learn to cook traditional Greek recipes, consumed alfresco with local wines. Your culinary education continues into the evening at local cafés and tavernas.

Day five, ferry to Naxos and unwind as you choose. Maybe hike to the summit of Mount Zas… explore the market of Chalki… or visit the temples of Demeter and Apollo. Next day is another foodies’ delight as you explore time-worn villages, sampling and recreating such trademark treats as loukoumades fried donuts, keftedes meatballs, and local kitron liqueur.

Continue to the delightful island of Ios for a lazy afternoon at the beach and a night for dancing and fun at Far Out Village beach club. Then journey to the nearby tiny isle of Sikinos—the "Isle of Wine"—and hike to the Monastery of Episkopi, visit the Folklore Museum, and top it off at a local winery.

Next day return to Athens, where you’ll visit the Athenian Riviera and the Temple of Poseidon, including a stellar sunset vista overlooking the Saronic Gulf. This evening, take time to enjoy the legendary Athenian nightlife before departing the next day. Learn more.

Itinerary #3: Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

Some of the coolest, most chic spots in Greece are yours to explore on this 10-day itinerary, from the Acropolis of Athens to the nightlife of Mykonos and the sensational sunsets of Santorini.

Start with the top sights in Athens, including the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis Museum. Begin day three by hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos, known for its iconic windmills, jet-set crowds, vibrant art scene, and even more vivacious nightlife. Upon arrival, spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the 18th-century Little Venice district or windsurfing at Ftelia Beach.

Next day, sun and swim at one or more of Mykonos’ fabulous beaches, then thrill to a sunset boat ride to the archaeological site at Delos—the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Day five, choose either a private yacht cruise around Mykonos, with a stop at the uninhabited island of Rineia, plus options for snorkeling and/or fishing; or thrill to the undersea world as you cruise aboard a glass-bottomed boat.

Then, take the early morning ferry to Santorini, with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views. Spend this day and tomorrow to explore at leisure. Wander the streets of Fira, visit the museums, take a local hike, laze on the beach, or raise your glasses with a vineyard tour to sample Santorini’s award-winning volcanic wines, all accompanied by local cheese and other snacks. Day eight, venture by boat to the volcano, with stops at beaches for snorkeling, and swimming in the hot springs at Nea Kameni.

On day nine return by ferry to Athens, with time to visit any museums and key sites you missed on days one and two. Next day, say goodbye to Greece as you transfer to the airport for your journey home. Learn more.

Itinerary #4: Discover Rhodes & Crete

There are few islands better for foodies and culture vultures than Rhodes and Crete. This 10-day itinerary provides a compelling insight into the glories of Rhodes—the largest of the Dodecanese islands—in its medieval prime. Plus you’ll wine and dine your way around Crete, savoring its quintessential dishes while learning about its Classical history.

After two days exploring Athens, ferry to Rhodes, with time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated medieval Old Town of Rhodes, including the Byzantine fortress and Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights. Day four is for beach time as you explore the eastern half of the island and dine at one of the coastal restaurants.

Next day you’ll hike a rocky gorge that gives a sublime taste for Rhodes at its natural best. You’ll wind past olive groves to reach the hilltop Kammiri Monastery before descending though pine forest to the fishing village of Lindos, with its hilltop acropolis. On day six, climb up to the medieval castle of Monolithos, built by the Knights of Saint John, then stop in at the vineyards of Embonas for lunch, followed by the hilltop monastery of Prophete Elias.

Then travel to Crete, where you’ll explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos, followed by a guided stroll through Heraklion, taking in such highlights as the Koules Venetian fortress and the Archaeological Museum. Next day, savor the many facets of Cretan cuisine as you visit a family-run olive farm, and sample and learn about the traditional Cretan grape-based spirit called raki. More gourmand fun awaits on day nine as you learn about local viticulture and sample wines on a tour through the Cretan countryside. Learn more.

Itinerary #5: Active Cyclades - Tinos, Naxos & Ios

This activity-focused 10-day itinerary combines three of the lesser-visited Cyclades islands, with hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and even a thrilling bike ride around Athens adding up to a fantastic adventure.

Arrive in Athens and enjoy a welcome dinner before taking an early ferry to Tinos on day two. Tinos is one of the Cyclades’ most under-the-radar, and religiously devout isles. In August, you can witness the Panagia Evangelistria pilgrimage; at any time, there are scores of windmills and dovecotes, plus Venetian ruins, and beaches to suit your mood.

On day three you’ll hike a trail across the island to the village of Pyrgos, known for its marble sculptors. End your hike at Kolymbithra beach. Journey, next day, to Naxos and unwind as you choose. Maybe hike to the summit of Mount Zas… explore the market of Chalki… or visit the temples of Demeter and Apollo. Day six, explore the warm, crystal-clear underwater world by scuba diving (beginners will receive instruction), followed next day by a horseback ride to the mountain village of Apiranthos, with its marble streets.

Continue by ferry to the delightful island of Ios for a lazy afternoon at the beach and a night for dancing and fun at Far Out Village beach club. A half-day kayak trip next day from Mylopotas Bay includes a barbecue beach lunch followed by optional snorkeling or scuba diving. Return to Athens in the morning, then explore the city on a guided bike tour that includes the changing of the guards at the Parliament, plus top historic sites and museums. Learn more.

More Great 10-Day Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Greece trip? Check out these other 10-day Greece itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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