Workshop your way around Athens and Crete for 10 days with this itinerary full of family-friendly activities for school-aged children. Paint and play in Athens amid the Parthenon and Panathenaic Stadium, then take a ferry to Crete to enjoy the beaches and botanic gardens of Chania. Your last stop is Heraklion, for hands-on experiences with history and bread-making at the hearth.
Explore the city and countryside via engaging activities on this week-long itinerary ideal for school-aged children . Your first days will be spent in Athens, listening to stories, creating comics, and practicing your athletic skills at the home of the first modern Olympic Games. Then head to the Mani Peninsula for boat trips, bike tours, and more amid the scenic villages before you head home.
School-aged children can get a taste of both Classical and modern Greece with this 10-day itinerary. You'll start your trip in Athens, where treasure hunts, comic-making workshops, and an Olympic workout will help everyone get acquainted with the many facets of the country. Then head to Kalamata, home of the famous olives, for some gastronomy lessons, sea kayaking, and a chance to channel your inner archer.
This two-week itinerary will take your whole family to some of Greece's most popular spots on both land and sea. You'll start on the mainland, with a mythology experience in Athens followed by an excursion to the clifftop monasteries in Meteora. Seek Apollo's oracle at the ruins of Delphi, then head out to the islands. Enjoy the island-grown cuisine and beaches of Naxos, then hike the Santorini caldera before you return to Athens to watch the sun set over the Temple of Poseidon.
Take a week to traverse the northern Greek mainland on this efficient itinerary. With seven days, family with school-age children who want to see some lesser-known spots will start their drive from Athens. Head to Corinth and its famed ancient canal, stop in the seaside town of Nafpaktos, and wrap up your trip with the hillside temples of Delphi.
Take two weeks to travel to some of Greece's lesser-visited landmarks and villages with this family-focused itinerary. Guided tours specifically designed for school-age children will help keep everyone engaged with stories from history and legend as you visit ancient monuments, gardens, and natural attractions. Start with the main sights in Athens, then hit the road up to the temples of Delphi, sky-high monasteries of Meteora, the northern bustle of Thessaloniki, and stone villages of Zagori.
See some of the most popular spots in Greece with this one-week itinerary for the whole family. You'll start in Athens, where you can listen to Classical myths atop the Acropolis, practice your athleticism in the home of the first modern Olympics, and learn to cook Mediterranean-style. Then jet off to Santorini for sunset views and relaxation on the sand.
Take ten days to share some of Greek's most popular spots with your whole family on this itinerary. You'll start in Athens with some park strolls and storytelling atop the Acropolis. Then head to the Cyclades islands for some beach time and cooking classes in Naxos, followed by guided strolls to some of the best views Santorini has to offer.
Take ten days to explore some of the less-visited corners of mainland Greece with this itinerary. This faster-paced trip is ideal for families with school-age children, especially those who have been to Greece before and want to see a different side of the country. You'll still start in Athens, but after a mythology-filled tour through the Botanical Gardens, you'll head out to the historic sites of Meteora and Delphi. See the seaside city of Nafpaktos and natural wonders around the Corinthian Gulf before you head home.
This two-week itinerary gives you and your school-aged children plenty of time to get their hands on Greek cultural activities in Athens and the major cities of Crete. Start in Athens, where you can paint the Parthenon and exercise like an Olympian at the Panathenaic Stadium. You'll fly to Crete, where you'll participate in mosaic-making workshops, archaeological adventures, and botanical treasure hunts, alongside plenty of time to wander at your own pace or relax on the beach.
Enjoy a mini Greek experience with even the mini members of your family on this seven-day itinerary for families with school-age children. With just one week, you'll start in Athens to hit the mythology highlights, including the Acropolis and its famous Parthenon, with plenty of games and stories included. Then jet off to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, to take in the beaches and inland villages via biking, cooking, and more.
Get out into the Greek islands with your school-age children on this 10-day trip. You'll start with an introduction to some of the country's most famous myths and landmarks in Athens before you head out to sea. Your first island stop is Paros, known for its beaches and open blue waters, then head to the whitewashed architecture and cliffside sunsets of Santorini before you return to Athens.
The whitewashed architecture of the Cyclades is one of the most classic Greek images. Spend two weeks amid this island chain's charms with this family-friendly itinerary full of hands-on activities for school-aged children. You'll start off with games and stories in Athens, then head to Tinos to learn about the art of marble sculpting. From there, you'll visit the villages and beaches of Naxos before you wrap up your trip along the rim of Santorini's famous caldera.
With over 400 blue-flag beaches and endless stretches of sand, pebbles, and turquoise waters, Greece is the perfect place for a sand-and-sea vacation. Although the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches, even the mainland has its share of swimming hotspots. From the snorkeling haven of Voidokilia to the famous Balos Bay on Crete, every region of the country has a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports.
No trip to Greece is complete without enjoying the open sea! With endless coastline, thousands of islands, and warm waters ideal for swimming, you can craft the perfect sailing itinerary to match your interests. Enjoy the quieter islands of the Ionian Sea, or discover the energy and history of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Or, stay close to the mainland and explore the coast of Nafplio, the Peloponnese Peninsula, and the Saronic Gulf. Whatever you choose, a sailing adventure awaits you in Greece!
Greece is an outdoor haven perfect for an active trip. With mountains and river gorges in the north and endless coastline in the south, you'll have your pick of sporty excursions. Whether it's hiking to ancient sites, biking along the coast, or kayaking through the sea, active adventures allow you to experience the country from a unique perspective and get up close with the local culture.
Greek gastronomy is known worldwide as one of the freshest and healthiest cuisines, with its signature Mediterranean diet featured in numerous countries. Learn the secrets behind the country's staples with wine and cheese tastings, city food tours, farm visits, and meals with locals. Take a cooking class or visit a winery and learn about Greece's ancient farming and winemaking techniques. There's a reason why the flavors are so pronounced in Greek gastronomy, and tradition has a lot to do with it!
Greece is a country of ancient history, refreshing gastronomy, vivid art, and scenic landscapes. All of these characteristics play an essential role in Greek culture. Explore rural villages and learn how the Greek islands functioned before tourism hit. Discover the secrets behind locally sourced cheeses, olive oil, and liqueur, and learn why marble is such a staple throughout the country. Go beyond the beaten path and delve into Athens' unique neighborhoods, Santorini's authentic villages, and the fascinating history of Naxos.
Greece is one of the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe, offering various activities suited for all ages. With abundant and diverse nature, your family can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Explore the cultural significance of Greek gastronomy (your kids might acquire healthy Greek eating habits!) and wander through the ancient ruins of sites like Acropolis Hill and Delphi. Learn the mythological stories behind the iconic landmarks, and learn new skills like mosaic making, painting, and archeological excavating.
Although not as touristy as the rest of Greece, the Peloponnese region abounds in history, culture, and gastronomy. For over 3,000 years, this jagged peninsula was the heart of Ancient Greece. Visit some of the country's most historic spots, like Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games started, the impressive theater of Epidavros, and the fortified stone village of Monemvasia. Relax on the scenic Mani Peninsula, explore the popular coastlines, and climb the castle of Nafplio, all while noshing on local cuisine like the country's famed Kalamata olives.
While many travelers understandably plan trips to Greece that center around the islands, beaches, and nature, there are incredible ancient sites all throughout the country that offer unforgettable trips to the past. Whether you want to wander the streets where the philosopher, Socrates, walked or enter a Temple of Apollo where a high priestess once spoke prophecies heard throughout the land, these experiences will help you better understand the cradle of Western civilization.
Although most are uninhabited, Greece has over 6,000 islands dotting the waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It's no wonder they attract travelers from all over the world with diverse history, unique culture, sandy beaches, and incredible natural surroundings. The two most popular clusters include the Cyclades Islands in the heart of the Aegean and Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete. Combining the two constructs an ideal vacation filled with some of the most beautiful coastlines and ancient history in Greece.
As Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete puts a twist on the typical Greek island ambiance. With a mix of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and some of the country's best beaches, you'll find many ways to explore the birthplace of Zeus and European civilization. Discover charming villages surrounded by olive groves, hike through scenic gorges, spend a day relaxing in the year-round warm waters, and learn more about the island's ancient civilizations.
As the most cosmopolitan of Greece's Cycladic Islands, Mykonos has built a reputation for glitz, glamor, and beachside nightlife. Its charming Little Venice neighborhood and iconic windmills tempt jet setters from around the world. Wander its buzzy streets and discover its quieter, more traditional side. Cruise around the island in search of picture-perfect beaches and explore the archeological sites on nearby Delos.
Greece's buzzy capital city is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, acting as an outdoor museum to some of the world's most historic landmarks. Athens encircles its famed Acropolis Hill with the impressive Parthenon at its crown. Walk amongst over 3,000 years of history as you take in ancient monuments and architecture touched by Byzantine, Ottoman, and neoclassical influences. Whether you want to explore archeological sites, relax on the Athenian Riviera, or savor an iconic Greek sunset atop Cape Sounio, Athens has it all.
If you're dreaming of the quintessential Greek island with whitewashed architecture, amazing beaches, incredible food and culture, and rich history, then Naxos is for you. Especially if you want to avoid the crowds seen on some of its neighboring islands. The largest Cycladic island is just a hop, skip, and a jump from hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos, but feels a world apart.
Santorini is the most iconic Greek island, full stop. Many, if not all, first-time travelers to Greece have this volcanic marvel on their must-see list, which comes with the usual pros and cons. Yes, it's an amazing place with views you'll never forget. And yes, it'll likely be crowded. That's why we recommend planning carefully so you'll experience the best of Santorini while avoiding the pitfalls that come with any major tourist attraction.
Travelers often dream of a trip to “the Greek isles,” but as the country boasts around 200 inhabited islands, your trip planning will require you to be more specific. One of the most popular island chains is the Cyclades, home to the hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini.
Santorini is always a good idea, whether you are visiting in fall or during summer. The spring is perfect for enjoying warm weather, hiking, and exploring the island in a more intimate atmosphere. During the summer, you will enjoy swimming in the sea, several cultural events, and a lively scene. Fall is all about art and history, while winter makes for the perfect romantic getaway.
With Mykonos being an all year round destination, you will easily find something to do in every season. Watch beautiful colors take over the island in spring and visit places such as Delos Island and enjoy a lot of sightseeing. When summer arrives, you will find an abundance of watersports, parties, and great adventures. Enjoy the warm weather in the fall and explore the museums, talk with locals, and go kayaking along the coastline. Winter makes for a quiet getaway with solitude, charm, and excellent shopping opportunities.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, with some of the best beaches and most beautiful scenery. Nature sets the island apart from the others because of the green landscapes and hills, blending with the ocean colors. From spring to fall, there are a lot of activities taking place, and you can enjoy culture, watersports, festivals, and fantastic food. Every season has its charm, and the summers are highly popular among tourists, while winters are romantic and quiet.
Most travelers will find that 9 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 7 or 8 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Chania, Ios, or Nafpaktos. Get inspired with our Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos trip ideas below.
Seven to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting both Athens and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 5 to 7 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 4 days. For the best itineraries including Athens and Santorini, keep reading below.
Seven to 11 days is a great length for a Greece trip with stops in Athens and Thessaloniki. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 3 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Crete. See more ideas for Athens and Thessaloniki itineraries below.
Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos, especially when also including Santorini. For travelers wanting to visit Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos exclusively, plan 7 to 8 days for a well-paced trip. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos, keep reading below.
Travelers to Greece typically plan a trip for 9 to 12 days when combining both Athens and Naxos with Santorini and Mykonos. For travelers wanting to visit Athens and Naxos exclusively, plan 5 to 8 days for a well-paced trip. Check out our favorite Athens and Naxos trips below.
Ten to 14 days is the most popular trip length for travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Ios, especially when also including Tinos and Syros in the itinerary. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Ios, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 7 to 8 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 or 6 days. Check out our favorite Athens, Naxos, and Ios trips below.
Travelers to Greece typically plan a trip for 7 to 10 days when combining Santorini with Athens and Mykonos. If you're not interested in Athens and Mykonos, 3 to 4 days is enough for your Santorini trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 2 days. Check out our favorite Santorini trips below.
For most travelers, 7 to 8 days is the perfect amount of time for a Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, and Tinos. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 6 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Mykonos, Ios, or Chania. Keep reading for more inspiring Athens, Naxos, and Tinos itineraries.
Most travelers will find that 7 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Greece trip with stops in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 4 to 6 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Naxos, Chania, or Elounda. Get inspired with our Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos trip ideas below.
Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 8 to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 to 7 days. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, keep reading below.
Combine ancient Athens with Santorini sunsets on this quick 6-day jaunt through a few of Greece's most stunning sights. After discovering the capital's classical treasures and gastronomic gems, you'll hop over to Santorini to finish your trip with a taste of island life—sailing its rugged coast, exploring whitewashed villages, and sampling local wines.
Visit two Greek classics during this 5-day tour of some of the country's most beautiful and iconic sites. You'll start in Athens, with a day to experience the Acropolis and the capital's buzzing neighborhoods. End the trip in Santorini with its white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare.
Seeking the perfect Greece itinerary? Look no further. We sent 3 people all over Greece to do research. We interviewed 2 experts. We analyzed 250 actual trips. We did in-depth interviews with 5 travelers. Then we took their advice, factored in how much time average travelers to Greece are likely to have (and what they most want to see), and identified the best Greece trips from 7-14 days. This is what we found.
This dynamic road trip takes you through some of mainland Greece's best kept secrets, starting with a mythology tour of the Acropolis in Athens and a visit to the wineries in Nemea. Then head into the picturesque Peloponnese Region where you'll discover the ancient ruins in Sparta, the medicinal tales of Ascelpius, and the charms of historic Mani villages. Visit the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, hike to an alpine lake for a swim, and visit a family-operated olive farm to learn all about the production process and to taste different varieties.
Enjoy some of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades on this trip, starting on the mainland with mythology tours of the Acropolis, stargazing at constellations, and walks through the Temple of Delphi. Make your way to Tinos, the hidden gem of the Aegean, where you'll enjoy visits to marble villages, an afternoon on the beach, and an art workshop, followed by the glitz of Mykonos and the ancient ruins of Delos. End your trip with historical sites in Naxos, plus gorgeous views, beaches, and a wine tasting in Santorini.
Discover Greece's distinct culture and gastronomy, starting in Athens with a private tour of the Acropolis and a hands-on cooking class, followed by a transition to some of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Begin in Syros for food tours and explorations of medieval cities, then head to the hidden gem of Tinos for some of Greece's best cuisine, plus a visit to marble villages, an art workshop, and an afternoon swimming in the Aegean Sea. End your trip in Naxos where you'll discover ancient sites, historic streets, medieval monasteries, and, of course, delicious, locally-sourced cuisines, the pride of the Greek Islands.
Visit some of Greece's most important sites on this archeology and mythology tour, starting in the buzzy capital of Athens, atop the famous Acropolis Hill, and at the Temples of Delphi. Then head to the islands, stopping in Crete to explore Heraklion, Chania, and the Arkadi Monastery, followed by Mykonos and Santorini for prehistoric ruins. End your trip on the island of Delos where you'll walk the Terrace of Lions, then head back to Athens for one final day visiting the Temple of Poseidon and chasing the sunset along the Athenian Riviera.
This family-focused trip features all that Greece has to offer, but with a kid-friendly twist. Start in the bustling capital of Athens where you'll take an interactive language class and tour the incredible Acropolis, followed by an archeological tour and beach day in Nafplio. End the trip on the island of Crete, where you'll visit beaches, enjoy guided tours of historic sites, and become archeologists and artists in a simulated excavation and a mosaic-making class.
This luxury tour of Greece starts in the bustling capital of Athens, discovering its incredible architecture and charming neighborhoods, followed by the exploration of the islands of Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. Live the posh life as you relax at world-renowned beach clubs, enjoy sunset cruises, tour villages around the islands, and discover the taste of Greece with food tours and wine tastings. Score incredible views of the islands and the Aegean Sea with hikes, trips to hot springs, and sunsets from your own private pool.
![Make your own painting outside Delphi [Photo from MAMAKITA]](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/66cddfff3d937d4af184c8e274c40c75c5740a9b/medium-2971e53533b5babdd4039a715660c713.jpg)
