10 days · updated October 2026
10 Day Greece Itinerary: Athens, Naxos and Santorini
- The route
- Athens (2 nights) → Naxos (3) → Santorini (3) → Athens (1)
- The cost
- For two people, expect roughly $4,200–$7,500 excluding international flights, with the biggest swing coming from hotel level and Santorini season.
This 10-day Greece itinerary suits first-time visitors who want ancient sites, a slower Cycladic island, and one famous caldera view without trying to see the whole country.
The route starts and ends in Athens, then uses a ferry to Naxos, a shorter ferry to Santorini, and a flight back to Athens. It keeps bases to three hotels, with a final Athens night before departure.
It leaves out Mykonos, Crete, Meteora, and the Peloponnese because each would either add long transfers or make the islands feel rushed. Save them for a second trip.
Day 1 · Athens
DirectionsArrive at Athens International Airport and keep the first day gentle. The ride into central Athens usually takes about 40–60 minutes by metro or taxi, leaving time for a walk, one major landmark, and a good dinner.
Afternoon
National Garden
Syntagma
This shaded park is an easy first walk after a long flight and helps you adjust without committing to a heavy museum day. Keep luggage at your hotel first, as paths are gravelly in places.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Panathenaic Stadium
Pangrati
The marble stadium gives you a clear link between ancient Athens and the modern Olympics. Go late in the day for softer light and less heat on the exposed seats.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Mani Mani
Koukaki
This restaurant is a good first dinner because the menu is Greek without feeling generic, with dishes rooted in the Mani region. Reserve ahead, especially for weekend evenings.
Day 2 · Athens
DirectionsUse your full Athens day for the main archaeological sites while your energy is high. Most of the walking is in the historic center, with short taxi or metro hops only if you want to save your legs.
Morning
Acropolis of Athens
Acropolis
This is the essential Athens site, and going early makes the climb far more pleasant. Book a timed ticket in advance and bring water because shade is limited.
Tickets & toursMidday
Acropolis Museum
Makrygianni
The museum puts the temples and sculptures into context after you have seen the hill itself. Leave large bags behind, and consider a short guided visit if you are not a museum person.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Ancient Agora of Athens
Thiseio
This site shows the civic side of ancient Athens and is calmer than the main hill. Wear supportive shoes, as the paths are uneven and spread out.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Karamanlidika
Psiri
Come here for cured meats, cheeses, and meze that work well after a long sightseeing day. It is popular, so book or arrive early for dinner.
Day 3 · Naxos
DirectionsTravel from Athens to Naxos by morning ferry from Piraeus, usually about 3.5–5.5 hours depending on the boat. Spend the afternoon settling into Naxos Town rather than planning a long island drive.
Morning
Piraeus Port
Piraeus
This is the practical gateway for the ferry to Naxos and is easiest if you arrive well before boarding. Use the metro only if you are traveling light; otherwise a taxi from central Athens is simpler.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Portara
Naxos Town
The marble gateway is the island’s signature ancient landmark and sits right by the harbor. Go after hotel check-in, when the ferry crowds have thinned.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Naxos Old Town
Naxos Town
The lanes around the castle area are the best introduction to Naxos Town, with shops, small churches, and sea views. Do not rely on maps alone inside the alleys; wandering is part of the point.
Tickets & toursEvening
To Elliniko Restaurant
Naxos Town
This is a dependable dinner for local cheeses, meats, and vegetable dishes after the ferry day. Reserve ahead or go early, as tables turn slowly in high season.
Day 4 · Naxos
DirectionsPick up a rental car for a mountain-village loop across inland Naxos. Driving time is not extreme, roughly 1.5–2.5 hours total, but the roads are narrow enough that this should be a relaxed day.
Morning
Chalkio
Central Naxos
This inland village gives you a slower look at Naxos beyond the waterfront, with neoclassical houses and quiet lanes. Park at the edge of the village and walk in.
Tickets & toursMidday
Panagia Drosiani
Moni
This small Byzantine church is one of the island’s most meaningful historic stops. Dress modestly and check locally before going, as access can vary.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Apeiranthos
Mountain Naxos
The marble lanes and mountain setting make this one of the most rewarding villages on the island. Arrive before the tour buses or later in the afternoon for easier parking.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Rotonda
Apeiranthos
This restaurant works well at the end of the mountain loop, with wide views and a menu that suits a long lunch or early dinner. Book ahead and ask for an outdoor table if the weather is settled.
Day 5 · Naxos
DirectionsSpend a second Naxos day mixing beach time with the island’s rural north. Expect about 2–3 hours of driving across the day, and start early if you want the beach before the wind rises.
Morning
Mikri Vigla Beach
Southwest Naxos
This beach is good for clear water and a more open feel than the beaches right by town. It can be windy, so go in the morning and keep valuables out of loose sand.
Tickets & toursMidday
Eggares Olive Press Museum
Eggares
This small museum explains the island’s olive-oil tradition in a quick, useful stop. It is best paired with a north-island drive rather than treated as a stand-alone outing.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Kouros of Apollonas
Apollonas
The unfinished ancient statue shows a different side of Naxos’ marble history. The road is winding, so leave enough daylight for the drive back.
Tickets & toursEvening
Nostimon Hellas
Naxos Town
This is a strong final dinner on Naxos, especially if you want cooked dishes rather than only grilled fish. Book in summer and ask what local specialties are available that day.
Day 6 · Santorini
DirectionsTake the ferry from Naxos to Santorini, usually about 1.5–2.5 hours. Santorini’s port road can be slow when ferries arrive, so keep the plan to Fira and nearby viewpoints on arrival day.
Afternoon
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Fira
This compact museum is the best primer for Santorini before visiting the island’s archaeological sites. Go after check-in, when you want something rewarding but not physically demanding.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Three Bells of Fira
Firostefani
This church viewpoint gives you an easy first look at the caldera without committing to a long walk. Use taxis or buses carefully here, as traffic and narrow lanes can slow short trips.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Naoussa Restaurant
Fira
This long-running taverna is convenient for an arrival-night dinner in Fira with caldera views from some tables. Reserve ahead and confirm the table location if the view matters to you.
Day 7 · Santorini
DirectionsUse this day for the caldera side of Santorini, with a hike or short climbs in the morning, wine country at midday, and Oia later in the day. Driving is limited, but parking near sunset areas takes patience.
Morning
Skaros Rock
Imerovigli
This short but steep walk gives you one of Santorini’s best close-up looks at the caldera cliffs. Start early, wear shoes with grip, and skip the final scramble if it feels exposed.
Tickets & toursMidday
Domaine Sigalas
Oia
This winery is a good place to understand Santorini’s assyrtiko and the island’s unusual vine-growing methods. Book tastings in advance, especially from late spring through early fall.
Afternoon
Ammoudi Fish Tavern
Ammoudi Bay
This is a useful late lunch stop by the water below Oia, with seafood as the main reason to go. Reserve ahead and arrange transport, as parking and the stairs can be inconvenient.
Evening
Oia Castle
Oia
The ruined castle area is the classic sunset viewpoint, but it gets crowded fast. Arrive well before sunset or choose a side lane if you do not want to stand shoulder to shoulder.
Tickets & tours
Day 8 · Santorini
DirectionsSpend the day on Santorini’s south and inland side, where the archaeology, volcanic coast, wineries, and village restaurants fit well together. A rental car or private driver makes this day much easier.
Morning
Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Akrotiri
This covered Bronze Age settlement is one of the most important historical stops in the Cyclades. Go in the morning, and consider a guide because the ruins make more sense with explanation.
Tickets & toursMidday
Red Beach
Akrotiri
The red volcanic cliffs make this a striking short stop after the archaeological site. Check local conditions before walking down, as the path and cliff area can be unstable.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Santo Wines
Pyrgos
This winery is easy to reach and pairs tastings with broad caldera views. Book a table rather than assuming you can walk in during sunset hours.
Evening
Metaxi Mas
Exo Gonia
This restaurant is worth planning around for well-made Cycladic and Cretan dishes away from the busiest caldera lanes. Reservations are strongly recommended and a taxi is wise if you are drinking.
Day 9 · Athens
DirectionsFly from Santorini back to Athens in the morning if possible; the flight is short, but airport time makes it a half-day move. Use the afternoon for museums, markets, and one last city view.
Midday
Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki
This area is a lively re-entry to Athens after the islands, with antiques, souvenirs, and street life in a compact zone. Keep an eye on bags and compare prices before buying.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
Kolonaki
This museum gives a wider sweep of Greek history than the ancient-only sites. It is a good choice for the final Athens stay because it is central and manageable in a couple of hours.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Lycabettus Hill
Kolonaki
Go here for a high city view that helps tie together Athens’ hills, sea, and neighborhoods. Take the funicular or a taxi partway if the day is hot.
Tickets & tours
Evening
O Thanasis
Monastiraki
This central grill is a practical last-night dinner for souvlaki and kebabs without a formal meal. It is busiest at peak dinner time, so go slightly early if you want a quicker table.
Day 10 · Athens
DirectionsPlan the final day around your departure time. With an evening flight, you can fit a market, a museum, lunch, and a waterfront cultural stop before allowing 45–75 minutes to reach the airport.
Morning
Varvakios Central Municipal Market
Athens City Center
This market gives you a direct look at everyday food shopping in Athens, from fish to spices. Go in the morning and wear closed shoes, as the floors can be wet.
Tickets & tours
Midday
National Archaeological Museum
Exarchia
This is the strongest museum finale for ancient Greece, especially if you want sculpture, gold, and artifacts beyond the Acropolis. Do not try to see every room; choose the main collections and keep an eye on flight timing.
Tickets & toursMidday
Ama Lachei
Exarchia
This courtyard restaurant is a good lunch near the museum, with meze that work well before travel. Reserve if you are on a tight schedule, since service can be relaxed.
Afternoon
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Kallithea
This modern cultural complex is a calm final stop with gardens, architecture, and space to walk before a flight. Use a taxi afterward if you need to reach the airport on time.
Tickets & tours
Where to stay
Ergon House Athens
Athens
A central hotel near Syntagma with an excellent food hall downstairs, useful for both the first stay and the final night before the airport.
Check availability
Nissaki Beach Hotel
Naxos Town
A comfortable base by Agios Georgios Beach and close enough to walk into Naxos Town, which reduces the need for taxis at night.
Check availabilityAressana Spa Hotel and Suites
Fira
A well-located Santorini base in Fira, practical for buses, taxis, restaurants, and caldera walks without paying only for a view.
Check availability
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Make it yours
Open this 10-day plan in the planner with every stop already on your board, then change anything: your dates, your pace, your budget.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May, June, September, and early October are the best months for this route because the weather is usually warm, ferries run frequently, and Athens is easier to handle than in midsummer. July and August bring hot archaeological sites, higher hotel rates, and heavy crowds on Santorini. November through March can be good for Athens and lower costs, but island swimming is less appealing, ferries are less frequent, and some restaurants and hotels on the islands may close seasonally.
How do you get around Greece on this trip?
Do not rent a car for Athens; use the metro, taxis, and walking. Take a ferry from Piraeus to Naxos and another from Naxos to Santorini, then fly back to Athens to protect your final day. A car is useful on Naxos for two days and on Santorini for the south-island day, but Santorini parking and traffic can be annoying, so a private driver or taxis may be worth it if you do not want to deal with narrow roads.
How much does a 10-day trip to Greece cost?
For two people, expect roughly $4,200–$7,500 excluding international flights, with the biggest swing coming from hotel level and Santorini season.
| Hotels, per night | $150–$450 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | $120–$250 |
| Ferries and Santorini-Athens flight for two | $350–$800 |
| Local transport and car rental | $450–$900 |
| Activities, admissions and tastings for two | $300–$700 |
| Airport and port taxis or transfers | $180–$400 |
Tips for 10 days in Greece
- Book the major Athens archaeological tickets before you travel, especially if you want an early time slot.
- Buy ferry tickets once your hotel dates are fixed, and choose assigned seats rather than the cheapest deck option for the longer crossing.
- Keep the final night in Athens rather than sleeping on Santorini before an international flight; wind or ferry delays can cause real stress.
- Pack light enough to carry your bag up steps and onto ferries, as island hotels and ports are not always easy with large suitcases.
- On Naxos, reserve an automatic rental car early if you cannot drive manual.
- On Santorini, do not plan multiple sunset-view meals in a row; one well-booked evening is enough, and prices rise sharply for caldera tables.
- If traveling outside May through October, confirm island restaurant and winery openings before building your day around them.
Questions people ask
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
Yes, 10 days is enough for a first Greece trip if you keep the route focused. Athens, Naxos, and Santorini give you history, beaches, villages, and the caldera without spending every other day in transit.
Should I visit Mykonos or Santorini on a 10-day Greece trip?
For most first-timers, Santorini is the better pick if you want the caldera scenery and archaeology. Mykonos works better if nightlife and beach clubs are a priority, but adding both Mykonos and Santorini would make this specific route feel rushed.
Is Naxos better than Paros for this itinerary?
Naxos is a strong choice because it has good beaches, mountain villages, local food, and enough scale for three nights. Paros is also excellent, but Naxos pairs especially well with Santorini because it feels more grounded and less polished.
Should I take ferries or flights between the islands?
Ferries make sense between Athens and Naxos, and between Naxos and Santorini. For the return to Athens, flying from Santorini is usually the safest choice because it is faster and reduces the risk of missing your final night plans.
Can I do this Greece itinerary without renting a car?
Yes, but you will need to use buses, taxis, or small-group tours for the island days outside the main towns. Renting a car on Naxos makes the villages and northern stops much easier, while Santorini can be done with taxis or a driver if you prefer not to park.