Greece in 8 Days - The Ultimate 8-Day Itinerary Plan for an Unforgettable Trip

Begin with a two-day stay in Athens to see the parthenon and the Acropolis museum. In the morning, walk the ancient streets, and in the afternoon choose a walking tour with a local guide. If you stayed in a family-run house in Plaka, you’ll feel the pulse of the city from a close vantage point. Mythic stories of apollo echo as you wander the marble lanes, adding a layer of wonder to your visit.

Fly or ferry to Santorini for two days, and build your schedule around caldera views, sunset walks in Oia, and a stop in finikia for a quieter evening. Rent a motor scooter for a loop along the caldera and swim off the red and black-sand beaches for an breathtaking contrast to the cliffs. Book local boat tours to explore the lava formations and hidden coves.

From Santorini, proceed to the dodecanese for two days and island-hop with efficient ferries between Rhodes and Kos. Each island serves famous beaches and ancient ruins. Seek out old town walls, narrow lanes, and a chance to swim in crystal bays.

For the last two days, relax along the Peloponnese coast or the Argolid, where you can stroll foot paths, find sandy coves, and enjoy relaxation by the sea. Schedule your days with a flexible rhythm so you can linger over a coffee on a sun-warmed terrace, amongst olive groves and white-washed houses, or visit other towns to taste local specialties. Your final stop should proceed toward a city break in Athens or a quick flight home, where you can reflect on the eight days with photos and a full memory card.

Greece in 8 Days: Itinerary Guide

Begin with a two-night stay in Athens, where Athenian highlights frame your arrival. Book Acropolis tickets ahead to avoid queues and plan a stroll through Plaka before sunset. From Athens, take a high-speed ferry to Naxos–the crossing takes about 4 hours and keeps the pace comfortable for the Mediterranean days ahead.

Day 3–4: Naxos. This island offers a varied landscape, from Portara at the entrance to Chora to inland villages like Apeiranthos. Independent travelers find a natural rhythm here: rent a scooter or car, explore ancient ruins, and swim at long beaches such as Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. Find a locally run guesthouse in Naxos Town with easy access to the port, and enjoy meals that showcase island produce. Naxos presents a high-quality balance of ruins, farms, and beaches, making it a prime first stop on the plan.

Day 5: Paros. A short ferry ride from Naxos (about 1–2 hours) brings you to Paros, where Naoussa’s harbor, Parikia’s old town, and the Kolymbithres beach complex offer a relaxed rhythm. This leg keeps the option open for a quick add-on to Antiparos if you crave a second island experience, while maintaining a steady pace for the week.

Day 6: Santorini. From Paros, a high-speed ferry delivers you to Santorini in roughly 2 hours. In this island, caldera views dominate the skyline, with Oia’s whitewashed lanes and Fira’s cliffside promenade. Add a morning to visit Akrotiri if you want archaeology, or reserve sunset hours for the caldera and a wine tasting session in the village of Pyrgos for a memorable pause during the exploration.

Day 7: Crete. Ferry options from Santorini to Heraklion or Rethymno run 2–6 hours depending on service. Crete expands your travel map with Knossos, the old harbor at Chania, and pristine beaches along the south coast. Independent travelers often rent a car to reach lesser-visited villages like Archanes or Agios Nikolaos, enriching the island’s mix of ancient sites and Mediterranean beaches.

Day 8: Return to Athens. A domestic flight from Crete to Athens takes about an hour, leaving time to collect souvenirs in Monastiraki or at the airport before departure.

Turkish detour and Dodecanese option. If a Turkish detour appeals, plan a separate extension to visit Ephesus from Rhodes or Kos; the Dodecanese islands offer additional island experiences and a distinct cultural layer. This add-on stays independent of the main loop and can be booked as a brief side trip to broaden the set of destinations you explore during the Mediterranean week.

Day 1: Athens Arrival – Sunrise at the Acropolis and Plaka Evening

Book a pre-dawn vantage at Areopagus Hill to catch the Parthenon glow as the dawn strikes the city, delivering views from the heart of Athens.

From the airport, take the train to Monastiraki or Thissio for an easy stroll into neighboring streets and a handful of destinations. Tickets costs around €10–€12 for a single ride, and you’ll reach Monastiraki in about 40 minutes in light traffic. After arrival, start with a quick climb to Areopagus for the sunrise; the path is steady and well marked, and the views span across the ancient core to the modern core of the city. If a sight is cancelled due to weather or strikes, swap to Lycabettus or a cafe crawl in Psyrri.

Descend to the Plaka neighborhood for breakfast. Pick a fresh Greek coffee and a pastry at a traditional café, or opt for a stylish spot on Adrianou Street to sample local flavors. Plaka’s lanes connect to the former commercial center and lead to places where culture and commerce blend into daily life. The lion statue guarding a doorway in a nearby courtyard adds a playful nod to myths as you stroll the same streets that have welcomed locals for years. If you want a quick cycling option, rent a bike for a short loop through the National Garden before the afternoon sun climbs higher.

Spend late morning exploring the Acropolis area briefly and perhaps visit the Acropolis Museum to see famous artifacts. The morning light, high above the crowds, makes photos pop and gives a calm rhythm to the day, some result that sets the tone for exploration.

In the evening, stay in Plaka for dinner. Choose restaurants in the neighborhood with terrace views, where you can savor fresh dishes, modern takes on classics, and a table by the street. The Plaka area remains widely popular for its proximity to the Acropolis and its well-connected lanes. A stroll toward neighboring Psyrri offers a different energy if you want more nightlife–just remember some places may be crowded on weekends.

See the table below for a compact plan and quick tips.

Day 2: Athens to Hydra – Ferry Tips, Luggage, and Harbour Walk

Catch the earliest Piraeus to Hydra ferry and grab a seat on the upper deck to beat crowds and enjoy the sea breeze. Standard ferries run about 1.5–2 hours; faster services trim the trip to roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. Book in advance if possible and carry a compact personal bag for quick boarding and easy access to your essentials.

Pack light with a gemini two-in-one daypack and a small personal bag for valuables; Hydra is car-free, so bulky suitcases slow you down and complicate navigating stairs and narrow lanes. If you plan an overnight on the island, arrange to leave larger luggage at your Athens hotel or at the port storage and take only what you need for the night.

Disembark and start a scenic harbour walk along the quay; you'll see a row of boats and the world-famous promenade filled with cafés and shops. The distance to Finikia and the uphill lanes is about 800–1,200 meters, with a gentle climb through white-washed alleys and stair passages that reveal the island’s towering hills above the sea.

From the harbour, turn toward the Finikia district to experience quieter corners away from the main quay. The walk gives you a personal feel for the independent pace of island life and offers views of the sea gulf framed by traditional houses and blue shutters.

Pause for coffee at a waterfront café and watch the crews prepare for the day; their simple, friendly service adds to the relaxed mood. If you want a sacred pause, visit one of Hydra’s small chapels tucked into the lanes, then consider a quick museum stop to glimpse local history before looping back toward the harbour.

During busy days, the quay can be packed with cruises and their passengers, but you’ll still find spots along quieter corners where street acts brighten the scene. Plan to stay flexible: the best photos often come after you step away from the main crowd, and the harbour walk rewards you with steady views of the island and the world-famous coastline as you head toward Finikia and back.

Hydra Highlights – No Cars, Seafront Cafés, and Iconic Sights

Plan a car-free day on Hydra: hop a fast ferry from Piraeus, then set out on foot along the harbor. The town sits at the heart of the island, with pedestrian lanes guiding visitors up to stone houses and quiet terraces. Walking reveals dramatic views over the Saronic Gulf and widely connects you with locals without engine noise. This is one of the best ways to feel Hydra’s rhythm while keeping the pace relaxed and accessible for other travelers.

Pause at seafront cafés to watch ferries, fishing boats, and the rhythms of daily life. Order a strong coffee, then a glass of wine at a hillside winery to taste local grapes and olive oil aromas. Seafront bars line the waterfront, offering shade and steady sea air, while quieter corners invite a slower pace as you seek a moment to breathe between museums and viewpoints.

From the harbor, the iconic sights unfold: preserved stone mansions, a bell tower, and old ruins tucked into hillside paths. Locals share tales of Homers and sailors who shaped the island’s past, giving extra texture to a straightforward walk. The scenery shifts dramatically as you climb, with views over the gulf and distant volcano silhouettes on clear days.

To keep plans solid, book flexible ferry options to avoid cancellations and carry a backup plan for weather shifts. If Athens is your gateway, a short flight and ferry combo makes sense, and you can land in Hydra in time for a late lunch. Card and cash are accepted in most cafés, bars, and shops, but some smaller spots still prefer cash, so carry a small amount of local currency.

Hydra works well as a stand-alone visit or as the quieter heartbeat of a broader arc: pair it with a mainland Delphi day trip or a gulf-cruise to nearby islands. For travelers who also include Morocco in their route, a broader itinerary can link Athens to Rabat with a sea breeze stop in Hydra in between. Exploration, walking, winery tastings, and seafront strolls keep the rhythm steady while you uncover iconic sights without crowds.

Hydra Beaches and Trails – Spilia Cave, Vlychos Beach, and Profitis Ilias Summit

Start your day with a dawn dip at Vlychos Beach, a calm cove sheltered by pines and rocky headlands, then set off along the coast toward Spilia Cave for an intimate look at a sea-carved chamber.

Spilia Cave sits along Hydra’s rocky shoreline, accessible by a short swim from the beach or a quick local boat ride. Enter with a waterproof light to see the stalactites glitter in the blue water, then surface onto a sheltered sand floor that invites a quick snack or tasting of local herbs and citrus brought by your guide. Such an excursion showcases the island’s geology and adds a tangible contrast to open sea views.

From Spilia you’ll follow a well-marked coastal path toward the Vlychos–Profitis Ilias route. Some areas stay shaded under pine and cypress, against a coast that’s rugged yet rewarding, with spots where the sea leans deep and the isles appear on the horizon. Either turn inland to the firmer switchbacks or stay with the coast for a gentler climb that suits families and first-time hikers.

The Profitis Ilias Summit rises above Hydra’s spine, offering excellent views across isles and uninhabited coves scooped into the cliffs. The ascent is a steady climb, with a final push through scrub and stone where your effort results in a panorama of the harbor, the isles to the south, and the open sea beyond. Bring sunscreen, water, and a light jacket for the breeze that gusts at the top.

Arrival at the summit rewards you with a broad panorama: the coast folds into shaded coves, town rooftops glow white, and the stretch toward Fira on the opposite coast of the Aegean creates a buzzing, postcard-perfect backdrop. After the look, descend along a switchback trail that threads through rocky terraces and ancient walls, then return to the coast for a late afternoon swim and a cool-down at a favorite spot along the water.

For a complete day, pair this route with a quick isles comparison: Hydra’s coasts are intimate and walkable, while nearby Leros offers a different island texture with flatter trails and more open scenery. On Hydra, the balance of history and nature is tight, delivering an authentic local experience that fits both a single day and an extended stay.

Tips for this plan: arrive early to avoid heat and crowds, and use a light daypack for water and a camera. If you’re staying overnight, a quick hop to Fira or another isles hub lets you extend your trip and pick up extra souvenirs at a low-key shop near the harbor. For a relaxed finish, choose a seaside taverna in the buzzing harbor area and toast with a local wine that pairs well with fresh seafood–excellent for winding down after your afternoon ascent.

Bottom line: the combo of Spilia Cave, Vlychos Beach, and Profitis Ilias Summit offers an adventure that’s doable in a day, with rewarding views, easy-to-moderate terrain, and a chance to compare Hydra’s coast against other isles. Your own pace matters here, so tailor the start time, choose either a coast-first or a summit-first approach, and you’ll come away with a strong sense of place, a few memorable spots, and a handful of photos that double as a lasting souvenir.

Return to the Mainland – Nafplio or Olympia as Days 7–8 Extensions

Choose Nafplio for Days 7–8 if you want a vivid, water-facing finale with Venetian architecture and a strong castle backdrop. This extension pairs culture with tasting and a relaxed life by the sea, and it’s also a favorite among travelers who crave a compact, memorable itinerary.

Base yourself in Nafplio’s old town, where architecture shines in every corner. Palamidi Castle sits high on the hill, offering strong views and a commanding silhouette, while Bourtzi guards the harbor from the water. Narrow lanes lead to lively restaurants, and a sunset stroll along the waterfront feels effortless and inviting.

Day 7 plan: From Athens, drive about 140 km (roughly 2 hours). Check in, then climb Palamidi for panoramic views. In the afternoon, wander the town’s architecture, stop for a tasting at a local olive oil or wine spot, and finish with a dinner at a favorite seafront restaurant. If you crave a brief culture fix, stop by Nafplio’s museum for a compact overview of the region’s past and continue exploring the harbor at night, when crowds thin and the mood stays relaxed.

Day 8 Nafplio option: Add a short side trip to Epidaurus Theater for one of Greece’s best acoustics, then swing by Mycenae’s ruins for a peek at Bronze Age life. A visit to the nearby Nafplio Archaeological Museum rounds out the day before you return to the old town for a final tasting or a casual meal. The combination of castle, water views, and historically rich sites offers a remarkable balance of discovery and leisure.

Or choose Olympia for Days 7–8 if you want a deeper dive into ancient sport and temple life. Drive from Athens (or from Nafplio) to the Archaeological Site of Olympia and its Museum, where the layout of the temple precinct and the rebuilt stadium mirrors classical architecture today. After a full-site visit, enjoy a tasting of local products–oil, wine, and farm-to-table dishes–at a nearby restaurant, then reflect on how Olympia’s heritage shaped classical life and education. This route is widely recommended for travelers who crave a focused history fix with a relaxed pace.