Greece is a true bucket list destination and one of my favorite places I have ever been. From beautiful scenery to rich history and amazing food, Greece truly has it all. In this guide, I will share with you the exact itinerary that I took with my family of four when we went to Greece in 2024.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
- Spring (April – June): Best for Pleasant Weather & Sightseeing
- Mild temperatures (15-25°C / 59-77°F)
- Fewer tourists than summer
- Summer (July – August): Best for Beaches & Nightlife
- Hot and sunny (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
- Ideal for island hopping and beach days
- Peak tourist crowds, higher prices
- Fall (September – October) → Best for Fewer Crowds & Warm Seas
- Warm but not scorching (20-30°C / 68-86°F)
- Sea temperatures are perfect for swimming
- Fewer tourists than summer, but still lively
When I went and did this same Itinerary I went in late May. The weather was warm, but not too hot and we were able to get a great deal on hotels and Airbnbs since it wasn’t peak season yet.
How much will this trip cost?
Greece can be both a budget-friendly and a luxury destination, depending on how you plan your trip. My family stayed in mostly Airbnbs which we found to be cheaper and allow us to save money on food since we had a kitchen. Here is how much you can expect to spend depending on your budget:
Total Cost Per Person Excluding Flights
- Budget (Hostels, street food, public transportation): $700 – $1000
- Mid-range (Airbnbs, restaurants, guided tours): $1500 – $2000
- Luxury (Resorts, restaurants, private transportation): $3000+
How do I find cheap flights to Greece?
Flights to Greece from the US usually range from $500 to $1500 roundtrip depending on the time of year and airline. My family used miles and points to book our flights for free, but I recommend using Google Flights to search for the cheapest flight if you are paying cash. Check out my article on “How to use Google Flights like a Pro” here: https://explorewithlandon.com/how-to-use-google-flights-like-a-pro-tips-for-finding-cheap-flights/
How do the ferries work in Greece?
Ferries are the most common way to travel between Greece’s islands, offering regular connections between Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio) and major islands like Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. They range from high-speed catamarans (fast but pricier) to larger conventional ferries (slower but more affordable). We took three ferries on our trip each time with a different company because we went with whatever was the cheapest. We booked all our ferries directly on the company’s websites.
Major Ferry Companies:
- Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Golden Star Ferries – Ideal for budget travelers.
- Seajets – High-speed catamarans that cut travel time but are more expensive
Booking & Tips
- Book in advance (especially in summer) via websites like FerryHopper or directly on ferry company sites.
- Arrive early at ports, as they can be chaotic.
- Bring motion sickness pills, as the ride can be rough.
Is Greece Safe?
Yes! Greece is very safe, but always exercise normal caution and be aware of your surroundings. I would recommend getting either a money belt or a theft-proof bag to prevent pickpocketing.
Rational for this Itinerary:
This Itinerary gives you a taste of the best that the Cyclades Islands in Greece have to offer. Each of these islands is unique in its own way. We chose to spend the most time in Paros because it is one of the most laid-back of all of the islands. Some people say Santorini isn’t worth it because of the crowds, but I think it is a must because of how unique and iconic it is. I definitely wouldn’t spend more than a day or two there because it is the most expensive and popular, but in my opinion, it is a must-see.
We were worried that Mykonos would be too much of a party vibe which we weren’t looking for, but I think it had just as many calm and relaxing areas as party areas. If you are looking for another quiet island to substitute for Mykonos I would suggest Milos or Naxos.
Itinerary Overview
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens after an overnight flight |
| Day 2 | Athens |
| Day 3 | Athens to Mykonos |
| Day 4 | Mykonos |
| Day 5 | Mykonos to Paros |
| Day 6 | Paros |
| Day 7 | Paros |
| Day 8 | Paros to Santorini |
| Day 9 | Santorini |
| Day 10 | Fly home from Santorini |
Day 1: Arrive in Athens
Arrival: Land in Athens after an overnight flight. Check into your hotel or Airbnb, relax, and explore the city at a slower pace.
How to Get to the City Center from the airport: The cheapest option is to take Metro Line 3 into the center of the city ($10 per person). However, there are other options such as buses and taxis: https://athens-international-airport.com/transportation/airport-transfer-to-city/
Where to Stay: Plaka or Monastiraki – Best for sightseeing and within walking distance of major attractions. We stayed in Plaka and it is such a magical place. It feels like you are in ancient Athens and we enjoyed wandering through the maze of streets and shops.
What to Do:
- Stroll through Plaka (Athens’ oldest neighborhood).
- Visit Monastiraki Square & check out the flea market.
- Watch the sunset from Areopagus Hill (free panoramic view of the Acropolis).
Bonus Tips:
- Don’t overdo it the first day. Make sure to rest and adjust to the time zone!
- Uber in Greece can only be used to get a taxi
Day 2: Explore Athens
What to Eat:
- Souvlaki & Tzatziki
- Gyros
- Moussaka – A delicious layered eggplant and meat dish at To Kafeneio.
What to Do:
- Acropolis & Parthenon (Go early to beat the crowds). We went as soon as they open and almost had the whole place to ourselves
- Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum.
- Explore the National Gardens, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium, and watch the changing of the guards at the Hellenic Parliament (Once every hour)
- Sunset at Lycabettus Hill (best panoramic view of Athens).
Bonus Tip: Get the Athens Combo Ticket (€30) to access multiple sites like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora & more. Make sure to book early before they sell out. https://www.acropolis-tickets.com/acropolis-combos/
Day 3: Athens to Mykonos
Travel: Morning ferry (approx. 3.5 hrs) or a 45-min flight to Mykonos.
Where to Stay: Mykonos Town (Chora) for nightlife or Ornos Beach for a quieter stay.
How to get around: Getting around Mykonos is easiest by walking in Mykonos Town, while buses, ATVs, scooters, and water taxis are great for reaching beaches and remote areas. Taxis are limited and pricey, so renting an ATV or using public buses is the best budget-friendly option
What to Do:
- Wander through Mykonos Town’s whitewashed streets.
- Visit the iconic Windmills of Mykonos.
- Explore Little Venice for dinner with sea views.
Bonus Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season!
Day 4: Mykonos Beach & Nightlife
What to Do:
- Rent an ATV and explore the Island. Mykonos is not very big and can easily be explored in one day. If you are going in the peak season it is best to book an ATV in advance.
- Morning at Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach.
- Explore Ano Mera Village for a quiet, traditional side of Mykonos.
- Afternoon at Psarou Beach
- Party at Scorpios or Cavo Paradiso.
Bonus Tip:
Beaches have free areas & expensive beach clubs. Arrive early to get a free spot
Day 5: Mykonos to Paros
Travel: Morning ferry (45 min – 1 hr).
Where to Stay: Naoussa (charming fishing village with great nightlife) or Parikia (port town, budget-friendly). We stayed in an Airbnb just outside of Parikia for a quieter vibe.
How to get around: Paros is the biggest island in this itinerary and has fewer public transportation options compared to the other islands so it is best to rent a scooter or a car.
What to Do:
- Visit Kolymbithres Beach (unique rock formations).
- Explore Naoussa’s scenic waterfront
- Get dinner in Naoussa
Bonus Tip: Make sure to book a car rental from a rental company in the port and not the airport since you will be arriving by ferry
Day 6: Paros – Island Exploration
What to Do:
- Today you are going to drive around and explore the many villages and beaches of Paros
- Visit Lefkes Village, a beautiful traditional town.
- Stroll through Kostos, Prodromos & Marpissa
- Have lunch in Piso Livadi
- Relax at Golden Beach
- End the day exploring the Old Town of Parikia
- Watch the sunset at the Frankish Castle in Parikia
What to Eat: Octopus Stifado (braised octopus)
Bonus Tip: Plan your driving route in advance so you can hit everything that you want to see.
Day 7: Paros – Boat Day
What to do:
- Rent a boat to explore the caves and beaches of Antiparos. This was one of our favorite parts of our trip. Antiparos is a small island next to Paros and has some of the clearest blue waters I have ever seen. Link to the company we used: https://www.getyourguide.com/paros-l88737/paros-full-day-small-boat-rental-with-self-driving-t399872/
Bonus Tip: You don’t need any special license to operate the boat only your passport.
Day 8: Paros to Santorini
Travel: Ferry to Santorini (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Where to Stay: Fira for central location and affordability
How to get around: Santorini’s best transport options include public buses connecting Fira to major areas like Oia, Perissa, and Akrotiri (€1.60-2.50 per ride), or car/ATV rentals for more flexibility. Taxis are expensive and limited, so renting a car, ATV, or using buses is the most convenient way to explore the island!
What to Do:
- Explore Fira and then take the public bus to Oia
- Explore Oia and eat dinner
- Watch the sunset in Oia (Best at Oia Castle).
Bonus Tip: Arrive early for sunset spots in Oia—they get super crowded!
Day 9: Santorini Adventure
What to Do:
- Visit Akrotiri Ruins (Greece’s Pompeii)
- Take a catamaran cruise to hot springs & the volcano
- Explore Pyrgos Village, a less touristy gem
- Enjoy the final sunset at Santo Winery with wine-tasting
Bonus Tip: If you have time, check out Emporio Village, a medieval castle town.
Day 10: Fly Home from Santorini
Tips for your Flight Home:
Arrive early: Santorini’s airport is small and can get crowded, especially during peak season. Aim to arrive 2-3 hours before your flight to avoid any stress.
Check for luggage restrictions: Many fights out of Santorini are on low-cost airlines that have strict baggage policies, so make sure your carry-on is within the allowed limits.
Transportation: Buses don’t run as frequently to the airport, so make sure to check the bus schedule and be on time for the bus
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