Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Crete: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Crete?

• Most travelers spend 11-14 days in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete combined
• Visiting Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete in 8 to 10 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 15 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Nafplio, Naxos, and Tinos

How Many Days to Spend on Santorini
How Many Days to Spend on Mykonos
How Many Days to Spend in the Greek Islands
How Many Days to Spend on Crete

Recommended Itineraries for Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Crete

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

This classic Greek vacation hits all the cultural highlights. You'll explore everything from the ancient ruins of Athens to the beaches of Mykonos and the magnificent hills of Santorini. Immerse yourself in authentic village life in Crete and visit the Minotaur's palace before you return to Athens for a culinary send-off. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days

Immerse yourself in ancient Greek mythology and history with this trip to the mainland and islands. Your journey begins in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis and consult the oracle on an excursion to Delphi. Then head for the Cyclades, where you'll stop at Delos, Mykonos, and Santorini before traveling to Crete. There, you'll visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and try your luck at its famous labyrinth. Make your way back to the mainland for more historical curiosities before returning to the modern era. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days

From Athens to the islands, you'll experience some of the best Greece has to offer with this itinerary. Travel back in time in the capital as you visit historic sites like the Acropolis and Delphi. Then make your way to the beaches of vibrant Mykonos, Delos' sacred ruins, and Santorini's volcanic hills. End your island-hopping adventure in Crete, where you'll discover fascinating ruins and hike the stunning Samaria Gorge before returning to Athens. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Delve into Greece's modern culture and ancient history with this exciting itinerary. Immerse yourself in Greek mythology in Athens and Delphi before beginning your island-hopping adventure. Explore the picturesque streets and inviting waters of Mykonos and the volcanic island of Santorini, with a stop at the sacred island of Delos along the way. Then head to Crete for more fascinating archaeological sites, hiking in the mountains, and visiting traditional villages before returning to Athens. Read more

Extended Itineraries

10-Day Itinerary Including Nafplio

Dive headfirst into history with this tour of some of ancient Greece's most important sites. Go from Athens and the Acropolis to the oracle at Delphi to the islands of Delos, Santorini, and Crete. Along the way, you'll see fascinating archaeological ruins and visit some of Greece's most beautiful locales. Wrap up your trip back on the mainland with a stop at Helen of Troy's home at Mycenae before returning to the modern era. Read more

3 Weeks Itinerary Including Naxos & Nafplio

Travel through the rich mythology and history of Classical Greece from the mainland to the islands and back. You'll start and end in Athens, beginning by taking in the city from above from the Acropolis and its famous Parthenon. Then down into the islands, with stops at the sacred site of Delos off of Mykonos, prehistoric Akrotiri in Santorini, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Return to the mainland to see the Cyclopean walls of Mycenae, stroll the stadium grounds at Olympia, and more before your return to the modern era. Read more

How to travel between Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion & Chania

How to get to Santorini
The most convenient way to get to Santorini, one of the most popular destinations in Greece, is to fly from Athens. However, flights are available from several other locations in Europe and the UK. Read more

How to get to Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Greece. Although known as a "party island," this island has something for everyone, whether you're interested in a party scene, LGBTQ culture, or ancient history. Read more

How to get to Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the island's largest city. Known for the Minoan Palace of Knossos ruins, Heraklion also has an attractive port and a large Archaeological Museum. Read more

How to get to Chania
Chania is the second largest city on Crete and the island's former capital. Chania is known for its intersection of histories and cultures. Once under Byzantine rule, Chania was taken over by the Venetians in the 13th century and by the Ottomans in the 17th century and still contains many traces of these different cultures today. Read more