Ever wondered how to fit Greece’s best experiences into just ten days?
Most travelers struggle to balance ancient ruins, beach time, and island hopping without feeling rushed.
You want to experience historic temples, swim in crystal clear waters, and watch famous sunsets, but planning the perfect route feels overwhelming.
The good news is that you don’t need months to experience Greece’s magic.
In this blog, I’ll show you a complete ten-day Greece itinerary that covers mainland history, island beaches, and coastal views.
This guide removes the confusion and helps you spend less time planning and more time enjoying your Greek adventure.
Best Time to Plan a Greece Itinerary for 10 Days
The best time to visit Greece depends on what you want from your trip. Each season brings different weather, crowd levels, and prices. Pick your travel dates based on these seasonal differences.
Spring (April–June):Spring offers pleasant weather between 65°F and 80°F with fewer crowds. Wildflowers bloom across islands. Perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities, even in extreme heat.
Summer (July–August):Summer brings peak season with hot weather above 85°F. Beaches get crowded, but nightlife thrives. Reserve hotels and ferries about 3 months early to secure availability.
Fall (September–October):Fall maintains warm weather with thinner crowds. The sea stays comfortable for swimming. Prices drop 20-30% compared to summer, offering excellent value for money.
Winter (November–March):Many islands close, but Athens remains open. Mild temperatures around 50°F-60°F. Best for mainland-focused trips, skip the islands during this season.
Now that you know the best time to visit, here is a quick overview of your complete 10-day Greece itinerary covering ancient sites, island beaches, and local experiences.
10-Day Greece Itinerary OverviewBelow is your full ten-day travel plan for Greece, showing what to see and do each day.
|
Greece Itinerary 10 Days: Day-By-Day Breakdown
This 10-day plan takes you through Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Each day balances sightseeing with free time to relax and check out on your own.
Day 1: Athens (Acropolis Day)
Start your Greece trip at the Acropolis early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. This ancient hilltop site offers temples over 2,400 years old with city views.
After exploring the ruins, visit the Acropolis Museum at the base. Glass floors reveal excavations underneath while you see original sculptures and artifacts up close.
End your day in the Plaka neighborhood with dinner at traditional tavernas. Rooftop bars offer the best views of the illuminated Acropolis glowing above the city at night.
Getting There/Around
✓ Take either the metro or a taxi from Athens Airport to reach the city center.
✓ Buy a 5-day metro pass for €4.50 per day.
✓ Acropolis opens at 8 AM, arrive early.
Where to Eat: Thanasis in Monastiraki serves famous kebabs and souvlaki for €8-12. The museum cafe offers lunch with views of the Acropolis. Plaka tavernas serve traditional meze.
Day 2: Athens (Ancient Sites)
Visit the Ancient Agora, where Socrates once taught students over 2,500 years ago. The marketplace features Greece’s best-preserved temple with intact columns and roof still standing.
After the ruins, head to the Monastiraki flea market nearby. Vendors sell leather goods, jewelry, and crafts while street food vendors offer fresh gyros and traditional Greek sweets.
In the evening, you are taken to the Psyrri neighborhood for dinner and live music. This area, once home to old workshops, has changed into Athens’ creative hub, with colorful street art and trendy restaurants.
Getting There/Around
✓ Walk from Plaka to the Ancient Agora in 10 minutes.
✓ Everything is walkable in central Athens.
✓ Use the metro to reach Monastiraki station for easy access to the flea market.
Where to Eat: O Kostas serves the best souvlaki for €2.50 per wrap, cash only. Street vendors sell koulouri and loukoumades. Psyrri tavernas charge €15-20 per person.
Day 3: Athens (Museum Day)
Spend your morning at the National Archaeological Museum, home to Greece’s largest collection of ancient artifacts. Gold masks, bronze statues, and treasures from major archaeological sites fill this building.
Head to Syntagma Square after lunch to watch the changing of the guard. Soldiers in traditional uniforms perform synchronized movements every hour in front of the Parliament building, creating a memorable show.
Your last evening in Athens belongs to the Thissio neighborhood with quieter streets. Restaurants here offer excellent Acropolis views during blue hour when the monument glows against the darkening sky.
Getting There/Around
✓ Ride the metro to Victoria Station to visit the museum.
✓ Walk to Syntagma Square (20 minutes).
✓ National Gardens entrance behind Parliament.
Where to Eat: Museum cafe offers breaks between gallery floors. The Syntagma area has coffee shops on Ermou Street. Diodos Archaias Agoras serves traditional food for €15-20 with views.
Day 4: Athens Day Trip (Delphi or Cape Sounion)
Choose between two excellent day trips based on your energy level and interests after three busy days exploring Athens.
Option 1: Delphi (Full Day Adventure)
Take an early-morning bus or drive for 2.5 hours to Delphi on Mount Parnassus. The Ancient Greeks consulted the Oracle here for 1,000 years on important life decisions.
The archaeological site includes the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and an ancient theater with views of the mountains. The museum displays the famous bronze Charioteer statue. Return to Athens by evening through mountain scenery.
Option 2: Cape Sounion (Relaxed Sunset Trip)
Sleep in and leave around 3 PM for the 1.5-hour coastal drive. The Temple of Poseidon sits on a cliff 60 meters above the sea. Lord Byron carved his name on a marble column here in the 1800s.
Stay for sunset when the columns shine with golden light against the evening sky. This ranks among Greece’s most photographed sunsets.
Pack tonight for your island ferry departure tomorrow morning.
Getting There/Around
✓ Delphi: Bus from Terminal B (2.5 hours) or rent a car.
✓ Cape Sounion: Bus from Pedion Areos Park (1.5 hours) or taxi.
✓ Sites open at 8 AM.
Where to Eat: Epikouros in Delphi serves mountain food for €12-18. Syrtaki near Cape Sounion serves seafood for €15-25. Arachova village offers lunch stops.
Day 5: Mykonos (Arrival & Town)
Boats leaving Piraeus Port take around 2.5-5 hours, depending on which vessel you choose. White-washed buildings with bright blue doors greet you as you arrive at this famous party island.
After checking into your hotel, explore the maze-like streets designed to confuse pirates centuries ago. Shop on Matogianni Street and photograph the famous windmills overlooking the harbor below.
Little Venice offers the most romantic sunset spot with houses hanging over the water. Go a bit earlier to find seats, since the waterfront fills with visitors waiting for sunset.
Getting There/Around
✓ Ferry from Piraeus Port (book in advance).
✓ Flight from Athens takes 35 minutes (more expensive).
✓ Taxis wait at the port for hotel transfers.
✓ Walk everywhere in the town center.
Where to Eat: Kiki’s Tavern serves traditional Greek food for €20-30 per person, no reservations accepted. Waterfront cafes offer coffee and light meals. Little Venice bars have sunset cocktails.
Day 6: Mykonos (Beach Day)
Start at Paradise Beach early if you want the party scene with DJs and beach clubs. Crystal-clear water and golden sand make this the island’s most famous beach destination for young travelers.
Move to Ornos Beach if Paradise feels too loud and crowded. This family-friendly spot has shallow waters, tavernas serve fresh seafood, and the atmosphere stays relaxed throughout the day.
Before sunset, drive to the Armenistis Lighthouse on a hill. The 20-minute walk from the parking through rocky terrain rewards you with panoramic island views over the Aegean Sea.
Getting There/Around
✓ Rent an ATV to move between beaches easily.
✓ Buses run but less frequently than needed.
✓ Taxis are available but expensive during peak hours.
Where to Eat: Kuzina serves Mediterranean fusion food at Ornos Beach for €25-35 per person. Paradise Beach has beach bars serving snacks. Bring water to the lighthouse area.
Day 7: Santorini (Oia Exploration)
The ferry from Mykonos takes 2-3 hours through the Aegean Sea. Sailing into Santorini past the volcanic caldera feels dramatic with cliffs rising straight from the water.
After settling into your hotel, explore Oia village along the cliff edge. Blue-domed churches, art galleries, and terrace cafes line narrow marble paths with endless sea views stretching to the horizon.
Reach Oia Castle well before sunset to find a comfortable viewing place. Hundreds gather here nightly for what’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful and photographed sunsets over the caldera.
Getting There/Around
✓ Ferry from Mykonos (purchase tickets early to avoid last-minute issues).
✓ Buses and taxis wait at Athinios Port.
✓ Choose between Oia or Fira for the hotel base.
Where to Eat: Roka serves creative Greek cuisine in Oia for €30-45 per person, book reservations ahead. Terrace cafes offer local wine tasting. Hotel restaurants have caldera views.
Day 8: Santorini (Caldera Cruise)
Book a caldera cruise leaving from Athinios Port or Ammoudi Bay. Most cruises include hotel pickup, lunch on board, and swimming stops at the volcanic islands in the middle.
Sail past Nea Kameni volcano island with lunar-like black rock formations. Then stop at Palea Kameni, where you jump into warm, orange-brown water heated by ongoing volcanic activity.
Back on land, explore Fira town if you stayed in Oia. Walk the caldera path connecting both villages while enjoying equally beautiful views with more restaurants and shopping options than Oia offers.
Getting There/Around
✓ Most cruises include hotel pickup and drop-off.
✓ Boats leave from Athinios Port or Ammoudi Bay.
✓ Walk the caldera path between Oia and Fira.
Where to Eat: Lunch is included on most caldera cruises with local wine. Argo Restaurant in Fira offers fresh seafood with caldera views for €25-40 per person. Fira has more options.
Day 9: Santorini (South Side)
Rent a car or ATV to experience southern Santorini at your own pace. This area offers a Bronze Age city, unique volcanic beaches, and wineries producing wine from volcanic soil grapes.
The Akrotiri archaeological site opens at 8 AM, showing a city preserved by volcanic ash. Red Beach nearby features striking red and black cliffs, though the pebbles can be uncomfortable without water shoes.
Finish your day at two or three wineries tasting Assyrtiko white wine. Learn how volcanic soil affects grape flavors while enjoying sunset views over vineyards with the caldera visible in the distance.
Getting There/Around
✓ Rent a car or ATV for flexibility
✓ Public buses run infrequently to the southern areas
✓ Akrotiri and Red Beach are 5 minutes apart
Where to Eat: Santo Wines offers wine tasting with small plates for €30-50 per person overlooking the caldera. Small taverna near Red Beach serves lunch. Akrotiri has limited options.
Day 10: Santorini (Final Day)
Your last morning should be a relaxing break after nine days of sightseeing. Do some final shopping in Fira for local products like cherry tomatoes, capers, and wine to bring home.
If your schedule allows, visit the black-sand beaches of Kamari or Perissa. These volcanic beaches offer a different experience compared to the dramatic caldera side you’ve been exploring all week.
Head to the airport or port two hours before departure. Reflect on your complete 10-day Greece adventure, carrying home memories of ancient ruins, island sunsets, and warm Greek hospitality that made it special.
Getting There/Around
✓ Check hotel checkout times the night before.
✓ Taxis are easy to find for travel to the airport or port.
✓ Buses run to Kamari and Perissa beaches.
Where to Eat: Enjoy one final Greek meal at a simple beachside taverna. Kamari and Perissa have restaurants with lower prices than Oia. The airport has limited snack options inside.
How Much Does a 10-Day Greece Itinerary Cost?
A 10-day trip to Greece costs between $1,500 and $4,000 per person. Your spending style makes the biggest difference. Budget travelers can get by on less, while luxury seekers spend much more.
Cost Breakdown Table:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Spend | $100-150 | $200-300 | $400+ |
| Accommodation (per night) | $40-70 | $100-200 | $300-800 |
| Meals (per day) | $30-50 | $50-80 | $100+ |
| Total 10 Days | $1,500-2,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $4,000+ |
Knowing these cost ranges makes it easier to shape your 10-day Greece itinerary, choose the right comfort level, and travel confidently without unexpected expenses along the way.
Choosing the Right Stay for Your Stay
Your accommodation choices shape the rhythm of your 10-day Greece itinerary. Here’s a simple look at the best areas to stay across Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.
| Location | Best Areas to Stay | Key Tips | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma | Book 2–3 months ahead; stay near the metro | $40–400/night |
| Mykonos | Mykonos Town, Ornos, Platy Gialos | Look for A/C, pool, breakfast; beach shuttles available | $100+ guesthouses |
| Santorini | Oia, Fira | Book cave hotels 4–6 months ahead; Oia is pricier, Fira is cheaper | Varies widely |
These stay options help you plan confidently. Whether you prefer budget spots or scenic views, booking ahead guarantees comfort and convenience during your 10 days in Greece.
Wrapping It Up
To summarize, Greece rewards careful planning with incredible experiences.
Your ten days blend history, relaxation, and island culture in a way that feels natural, not rushed. The key is staying flexible while following a solid framework.
Start booking your ferries and accommodations now, especially if you’re traveling during peak months. Early preparation saves money and stress later.
This itinerary provides structure without sacrificing spontaneity. You’ll have time for unexpected café stops, conversations with locals, and moments that guidebooks can’t predict.
Ready to turn this plan into reality? Share your questions or thoughts in the comments below!
