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Greece is indisputably my favourite nation in Europe. The mixture of its fascinating historical historical past, lovely ruins, gorgeous seashores, and probably the most picturesque islands with its white home blue door mixture makes it the final word journey vacation spot.
I’ve traveled extensively all through Greece from the Cyclades islands, Ionian Islands, Athens, the north of Greece and extra so I feel I’m completely match to assist plan the one week Greece journey of your goals.
Greece isn’t an enormous nation by land mass however it packs an absolute punch with the quantity of locations to go to. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff eager to soak within the ancients sights of Athens, or a seashore bum with goals of searing blue seashores, there’s something for everybody. Greece is a magical place and one week is just not sufficient to see every little thing. Nonetheless, I’ll allow you to along with your journey as a lot as I can so you will get the highlights after which begin planning your journey again to this lovely nation!
The place to go in Greece for one week
Once more, one week in Greece is just not sufficient to see the entire nation so that you’ll must be strategic with the place you go. For the aim of this itinerary, I’ll give a number of choices of how one can plan your journey.
The preferred locations in Greece are within the Cyclades islands. These islands are a few of my favourite locations to journey on the earth. Well-known for his or her well-known and impossibly picturesque white homes with blue window frames, the Cyclades is a should go to for my part.
With a one week itinerary to journey by Greece, I’d suggest beginning off in Athens after which visiting two Cyclades islands. You don’t need to rush your journey by Greece as a result of it’s all about having fun with your time and going slowly with the Greek method, aka consuming superb meals, sipping on wines with views of the Aegean, exploring the character aspect of the islands, and easily enjoyable.
My different Greece Posts
I’ve spent in depth time touring by Greece so ensure that to learn my different Greece associated posts!
How one can journey between the islands?
Nicely there isn’t a island hopping and not using a technique to get between the islands. Fortunately, Greece has one in all its most in depth and serviced ferry system within the Cyclades.
Ferries are the one technique to get between islands. In the summertime months, they run continuously with a number of ferries coming into an island per day. There are a number of firms to select from which is nice for protecting prices cheap.
A few of the hottest islands have airports like Mykonos, Santorini, Milos, Naxos and many others. the place you’ll be able to fly into from Athens or worldwide locations. Nonetheless, there aren’t any flight routes (that I do know of) between the islands, so you’ll not discover any flight between Mykonos and Santorini. It’s because the distances are so brief that flights don’t make sense in addition to there being an in depth ferry system to cowl this.
Ferries within the Cyclades are typically fairly massive ships and are very snug. I took ten of them so I’ve skilled all various kinds of boats and for probably the most half, I’m fairly glad. Most ferries begin from Athens and make a route the place they cease at completely different islands. You might be primarily hopping on and hopping off relying in your level of origin and vacation spot.
There’s a lot to know concerning the Greek ferry system that I’ve written a complete submit devoted to this matter. Be sure that to learn that so you already know what to anticipate if you arrive!
Is one week sufficient time to go to Greece?
One week, or 7 days in Greece (or 8 days in Greece when you’re fortunate) is a good period of time to see some issues in Greece. Nonetheless, there’s merely method an excessive amount of to see in Greece so that you can see a lot. I spent two months touring the Cyclades islands alone and that is only one group of islands amongst many!
With one week in Greece, I’d suggest protecting it easy and selecting just a few islands together with Athens. I’m an enormous proponent of visiting the capital metropolis of Greece however I do know that need to skip the large metropolis and go straight for the islands. My rule of thumb is to spend 3-4 days per island simply so you’ll be able to have ample time to discover and chill out. 2 days is just too rushed and simply the logistics of moving into an island by ferry will eat up your free time.
Subsequently, if you’re combining with Athens, then solely select two islands. In any other case, three islands might work.
Alternatively, you could possibly additionally spend every week touring by the north of Greece. This itinerary would begin in Thessaloniki and go to the extremely picturesque Meteora which you’ve certainly seen dreamy footage of.
One week in Greece – Day 1-2: Athens
The traditional capital of Greece is the primary cease on the 1 week Greece itinerary. It’s possible you’ll fly into Athens and it could be a complete disgrace to skip the town when you’re already right here. The town isn’t solely chalk filled with well-known historic sights however it’s simply a tremendous metropolis with so many superb eating places and bars. I’d suggest at the very least 2-3 nights in Athens to get the correct expertise.
For a listing of every little thing to do in Athens, ensure that to learn my What to do in Athens information. Here’s a abstract of some of the highest highlights you will need to do whilst you’re in Athens!
- Acropolis
- Acropolis Museum
- Historic Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Temple of Zeus
- Nationwide Historical past Museum
- Lycabettus Hill
- Stroll round Monastiraki
- Temple of Poseiden day journey
Acropolis
For sure, the primary sight of curiosity in Athens would be the Acropolis. This is among the unique seven wonders of the world and is among the most nicely preserved historical Greek monuments on the earth.
The title Acropolis is Greek for the best level within the metropolis (Akro means excessive, and polis means metropolis). Primarily, each city in Greece has an Acropolis as a result of it’s simply the best level within the city however in fact Athens is a little more well-known than that.
The Acropolis consists of the Parthenon which is the long-lasting historical Greek temple that’s just about the one image needed to explain Greece, varied different temples, and theaters. It’s very spectacular and can examine off all of the packing containers in your Historic Greek repair. Nonetheless, in the long run, I’d nonetheless say the Pyramids of Giza had been way more spectacular.
You possibly can spend loads of time right here relying on how into the historical past you might be however typically I feel 1-2 hours is sufficient. In the course of the summers, you’ll be able to anticipate a big crowd always of the day. The easiest way to keep away from the crowds is to return right here within the very early morning or keep till it closes.
It’s onerous to take a foul photograph right here so shoot away!
Admission Value: €20 in the summertime months, €10 between Nov and Apr
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday From 8am to 8pm
*You should purchase the Athens Go for €30 which can permit you to go to quite a few sights in Athens together with the Acropolis. Positively price it when you plan to do most issues.
Roman Agora
The Agora, whereas not within the Acropolis, is a should go to sight as nicely. It’s probably the most nicely preserved Historic Greek temple in all of Greece. After seeing the Acropolis which is nearly half gone, the Agora provided a glimpse of what these buildings regarded like absolutely standing.
The Agora, translating to “a spot of gathering”, was as soon as dotted with statues, retailers, markets, colleges and it was the place Socrates used to lecture his younger disciples.
The entire advanced solely takes about 20 minutes to see however is nicely definitely worth the go to particularly when you’ve bought the Athens Go.
Go to the Plaka and Anafiotika
Essentially the most distinctive a part of Athens must be the Anafiotika neighborhood. This neighborhood is positioned proper on the base of the Acropolis with excellent views over the town. It options homes constructed within the conventional Cycladic model that you just’ll discover on lovely islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
I really like the Cyclades and every little thing concerning the islands so what a shock it was once I might discover the long-lasting white stone homes in the course of Athens! Within the early nineteenth century, King Othon employed the most effective builders from Greece to refurbish his palace. These builders got here from the Cyclades and from the island of Anafi (therefore the title). The king let the builders keep at gifted them land close by to the Acropolis the place they construct properties for his or her households within the conventional model.
You’ll find the neighborhood excessive up within the Plaka district of Athens and it’s the right place for some good photograph alternatives. You’ll must stroll by Plaka to get to the Anafiotika neighborhood. Alongside the way in which, cease for a fast espresso on the idyllic steps of the Plaka at Klepsýdra or Dióskouroi and soak within the Athens air.
Get pleasure from rooftop drinks with views of the Acropolis
For golden hour, head to one of many many rooftops in Athens with lovely views of the Acropolis. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Athens as I feel the view is totally lovely.
The very best bars to do that are A For Athens and Couleur Locale. Each bars serve nice drinks with a laid again vibe looking on the Acropolis.
Dinner within the metropolis
Lastly, to finish a fantastic day, take pleasure in a scrumptious dinner of Greek meals out within the metropolis. There are numerous Greek eating places in Athens starting from native however vibrant eating places to upscale and fancy. Monastiraki and Psyri have infinite restaurant choices so that you can select from.
Head over to a spot like Lithos Taverna, Bandiera, or Maiandros and feast away. Greek meals is understood for its recent elements, beneficiant parts, and scrumptious flavors. It’s very simple to overdo it since you need to attempt every little thing.
If you happen to nonetheless have power after dinner, go take pleasure in a cocktail at one of many world ranked cocktail bars at locations like Baba Au Rum or the Clumsies!
Odeon Theatre Present
In case you are visiting in the summertime, ensure that to e book a present on the Odeon Amphitheatre which was one in all my favourite issues in Athens.
Free Strolling Tour
I’m an enormous fan of free strolling excursions in cities and Athens isn’t any completely different. The free strolling tour I did right here was extremely informative and I realized issues that I undoubtedly wouldn’t have realized if I hadn’t gone.
We walked by all the primary sights and obtained plenty of tales from the information about Greek tradition, historical past, and meals. We even visited a neighborhood adjoining to the Acropolis that could be a little mini Cyclades throughout the metropolis. I had no thought this existed however actually it felt like I used to be strolling by a village in Milos. It’s because builders from the Cyclades had been identified to be the most effective and had been introduced in to assemble loads of the official buildings again within the day. They settled close to to the Acropolis and had been allowed to construct in no matter vogue they wished.
Olympic Stadium
I had completely forgotten Athens was the house for the 2004 Olympics (and naturally the unique Olympics). They constructed this big stadium modeled within the conventional sense for the opening and shutting ceremonies in 2004.
It has since been largely unused and only a relic from that these video games. I’m unsure why they wouldn’t use such a stupendous construction however I assume it’s the identical purpose they don’t need to reconstruct any of the Historic buildings?
Nonetheless, it’s largely only a big stadium in the course of the town these days that vacationers can go to. It’s €5 for the doorway payment and you may stroll across the stadium to your want. There weren’t many guests in any respect throughout the occasions I visited so you’ll be able to guess on taking some improbable photographs.
Mount Lycabettus
Don’t miss a go to to Mount Lycabettus which is the final word sundown spot for my part. It’s close to to the town heart and might simply be reached by foot or taxi. You possibly can both take a cable automotive from the doorway for €5 or stroll your self to the height. From the doorway of the cable automotive, it is just about 200m to the highest and isn’t a tough hike.
The views listed here are merely gorgeous as you’ll be able to actually grasp simply how huge of a metropolis Athens is. You possibly can even see the Mediterranean from the perspective.
There’s a cafe and restaurant right here the place you should buy cocktails to benefit from the view. The restaurant could be very costly however could possibly be price it when you’re eager for some good views!
One Week in Greece – Day 2-5: Mykonos Island
From Athens, I flew to Mykonos the place I spent the subsequent three nights. Mykonos might be the second most visited island after Santorini and is known for its lovely Chora (the primary city) and its seashore golf equipment. With one week in Greece, it is a nice island possibility to start out your Cyclades adventures.
Mykonos felt just like the gathering place of the European Jersey Shore crowd combined with all of the semi-pro influencers you will discover. Most occasions it felt like individuals had been going that additional step to look higher than they usually would. It’s just like the Miami of Greece in a way. All the pieces can be priced accordingly and you may anticipate to spend 2-3x extra for nearly something in Mykonos versus the opposite islands within the Cyclades.
Nonetheless, it’s simple to keep away from this by merely staying away from the flowery seashore golf equipment and that complete vibe. The Chora is totally lovely to stroll round throughout the day when persons are nursing their hangovers from the night time earlier than.
It’s every little thing you’re in search of in that typical Cycladic village with its completely manicured cobblestone streets, white homes, and blue doorways. I additionally actually loved the sundown from the Armenistis lighthouse in addition to from the 180 diploma sundown bar (even when the cocktails are €18).
One Week in Greece – Santorini: Days 5-8
Lastly, the final a part of the one week Greece itinerary ends within the lovely island of Santorini. In case you are debating between Mykonos and Santorini, ensure that to learn my submit evaluating these two hottest islands.
Santorini is probably the most well-known and most visited island in all of Greece, and possibly even the world. That is the final word in gorgeous views and photograph alternatives. For the women, ensure that to pack your favourite clothes and a sufficiently massive hat which is essential.
Even when you’ve by no means heard of Santorini, there’s a excessive probability you’ve seen a photograph of its iconic blue domes floating round someplace. Mykonos has turn out to be the defacto upscale occasion island of Greece whereas Santorini has turn out to be the mecca for romantic {couples} journeys, honeymoons, and influencer photograph sprees.
Santorini is not like the opposite islands in that it was fashioned by a volcanic eruption hundreds of years in the past. The whole island these days is constructed on the remnants of lava hardening within the sea. The island could be very lovely in that each one the homes had been constructed on the clifftops that descend straight into the ocean permitting for dramatic results.
The primary cities of Santorini are Fira and Oia with the latter being the well-known city that everybody takes images from. I’d suggest one of many lovely resorts in Oia or if you would like unique privateness away from all of the insanity, keep someplace in between Fira and Oia.
Santo Vineyard
No go to to Santorini is full with out visiting the world well-known Santo Vineyard. Santorini is extensively thought to be the most effective wine rising island in all of Greece because of its wealthy volcanic soil (keep in mind, Santorini is the remnants of a big volcano explosion hundreds of years in the past). Santo Vineyard is the most important producer on the island relationship again to the Forties.
Santo Wines has a big compound close by to Fira city and it has maybe probably the most gorgeous surroundings that any vineyard on the earth might hope to have. It’s actually in the course of the Santorini crescent and affords fully unobstructed views of the ocean.
The property is about up with a contemporary inside excellent for wine tasting in addition to quite a few massive out of doors patios so that you can benefit from the breathtaking view. Santo Wines is definitely in style for weddings and who might blame them?
We did a wine tasting right here which included 12 of their wines (6 crimson and 6 white) for roughly €40. I really thought this was loopy costly contemplating I had been getting wine at eating places for €4 for a half liter. Nonetheless, the wine right here is of prime notch high quality however in actuality you’re largely paying for the view. The view is totally out of this world and is a should go to for that reason alone.
The solar units instantly in entrance of the property so it’s a massively in style place for sundowners. A reservation is an absolute should if you wish to come right here for the sundown. Even throughout coronavirus occasions, this vineyard was packed full. If you happen to come in the summertime months in regular occasions, I’d make a reservation at the very least every week beforehand. In any other case, you’ll be able to nonetheless come right here throughout the daytime with out a lot difficulty. The solar is tremendous sizzling so most individuals wait till sundown to return right here in massive numbers.
Do the Fira to Oia hike
If you wish to combine up the Instagramming and upscale eating with some bodily train (mild in fact), look no additional than the hike from Fira to Oia.
I’m unsure I’d actually name this a correct hike as extra of a protracted stroll. It’s not very difficult because the terrain is novice and nearly all of it’s performed on paved highway. Nonetheless, if you wish to get really feel of what Santorini has to supply by way of views and panorama, the hike from Fira to Oia is it. Fira is positioned within the heart of the island whereas Oia is positioned on the northwest tip. Doing this hike primarily means you’ve walked half of the island. Not solely will you be capable to see the breathtaking views Santorini is known for, however you’ll additionally stroll by a few of the lesser identified cities in Santorini (that are additionally very worthwhile).
The hike may be performed at any time of the day as there isn’t a entrance payment it is advisable to pay. You merely begin in Fira, Santorini’s capital, and stroll alongside the sting of the city till you discover the beginning of the footpath that goes in the direction of Oia. You possibly can see Oia from Fira so actually when you’re simply strolling alongside the ocean in the direction of Oia, you’re stepping into the fitting path. If all else fails, simply ask somebody!
I like to recommend ranging from Fira as a result of the hike in the direction of Oia is barely much less of an incline than the opposite method round. In fact, you’ll be able to hike from Oia to Fira as nicely however simply be ready for extra uphill. The subsequent two cities are Firostefani and Imerovigli that are nearly like suburbs of Fira and are on this footpath (you’ll be able to’t miss it). Each are a lot decrease key than Fira and since they don’t seem to be as simply accessible for the swarms of cruise ship vacationers.
To return to your start line, merely take the frequent bus that goes between the 2 cities. This bus leaves each half hour so you’ll by no means have to attend that lengthy. Alternatively, when you’re staying in Oia, take the bus to Fira first, after which stroll again residence. I’d suggest doing this hike within the morning hours because the solar may be very unforgiving after 11am.
The stroll is roughly 10kms (6 miles) lengthy and can take you thru quite a lot of landscapes alongside the way in which. Ensure you put aside a good period of time to finish so you aren’t in a rush. Typically, it ought to take between 3-5 hours relying on health degree, stops and the temperature.
The trail modifications terrain from every little thing resembling unfastened scoria, concrete, sand and rocks. Good strolling sneakers with loads of assist is a should.
Day by Day One week Greece Itinerary breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the day-to-day itinerary for spending one week in Greece.
Day 1: Land in Athens and discover the town
Day 2: Half day in Athens, afternoon flight to Mykonos
Day 3: Full day Mykonos
Day 4: Full day Mykonos
Day 5: Mykonos to Santorini by ferry
Day 6: Full day Santorini
Day 7: Full day Santorini
Day 8: Flight residence from Santorini (both direct or by Athens)
What If I don’t need to go to Mykonos or Santorini?
If visiting Mykonos and Santorini are usually not on the prime of your listing, what different islands must you think about? I do know Mykonos and Santorini get all the popularity and the FOMO from first time Greece guests however I can completely guarantee you that there are way more lovely islands within the Cyclades to go to at a fraction of the price.
For the aim of a one week Greece itinerary, I’ll suggest you to select from the next islands:
These are a few of my favourite islands within the Cyclades and they’re simply accessible from Athens by flight or ferry (relying on the island).
A well-liked choice to to exchange Mykonos and Santorini could be to mix islands like Naxos and Paros. Milos and Folegandros is one other nice possibility. Lastly, Naxos and Amorgos may be my favorites. Amorgos might be my favourite island within the Cyclades and undoubtedly probably the most breathtaking.
Proceed Studying:
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