A 7 Day Greece Itinerary for First Time Visitors

With sun-soaked sandy beaches, a mouth-watering cuisine and thousands of years worth of history, it probably comes as no surprise that Greece secures the top spot on so many traveller's bucket-lists. Although, with not just the mainland to discover but a whole host of islands too, it can be a little daunting when it comes to planning your first trip to Greece. 

But fear not, we're here to help! Our 7-day Greece itinerary is designed to give first timers the opportunity to experience some of the country's highlights. Discover the best Greek island route and the top things to do in each island with the perfect 1 week itinerary for your first Greek getaway...

Day 1: Explore Athens

Your first time in Greece isn't complete without a trip to the Greek capital. Athens may be used as a gateway to the islands, but it's also home to some of the country's most iconic sights.

We'd recommend starting with the Acropolis, the country's most famous and usually the most busiest landmark. If possible, try and get your tickets in advance so you can spend less time queuing and more time taking photos of this ancient wonder. Here you'll also find the incredible Parthenon, and if you fancy delving a little deeper into the country's past, there's the Acropolis Museum too.

Afterwards, head to the lively Plaka neighbourhood for a bite to eat before you guessed it - more sightseeing! It's hard to squeeze in all of Athens' sights in just one day but if you've got the time we'd recommend at least seeing Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and the impressive Panathenaic Stadium.

Once you've ticked off some more sights, the markets are calling and Monastiraki Flea Market is one of our favourites. Here you'll find literally everything, from souvenirs to clothing, antiques and more.

When the sun sets, Athens is just as exciting. Whether you're a lover of fancy rooftop drinks or a low-ley local bar, there's something for every taste. Popular nightlife neighbourhoods in Athens include Gazi and Psyri.

Day 2: Athens – Mykonos

Now it's time to switch city life for island life with a ferry to Mykonos. Ferries from Athens to Mykonos depart from the port of Piraeus which is easily accessible from the centre via a 20-minute metro ride. They arrive at Mykonos' New Port which is located around 2km from Mykonos Town. To get to the town, you can either take the local bus, a sea bus or a taxi.

Once you've reached Mykonos Town, it's time to explore! Mykonos is less about sights (although there are a couple such as the Church of Panagia Paraportiani and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos) and more about exploring and admiring the island's beauty - and there's lots of beauty here!

Spend the morning getting lost in the winding whitewashed streets, popping into designer boutiques and stopping for a coffee in a charming cafe. Afterwards, rent a scooter and head to the beach for the afternoon. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches here including Platis Gialos, Ornos, Psarou or the lively Paradise Beach. Then, drive back to the town in the early evening and watch as the sunset provides the most beautiful backdrop to the famous Mykonos Windmills.

Mykonos is known for its nightlife so if you love a late night, you've come to the right place. As soon as the sun sets, Mykonos comes alive with crowds flocking to the town's glamorous bars, clubs or the numerous swanky beach clubs scattered across the island.

Athens to Mykonos ferry information:

Average time: 3 hours
Fastest ferry: 2 hours 40 minutes
Operators: Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets
First ferry: 07:00

Day 3: Mykonos – Paros

After your late night in Mykonos, enjoy a lie in before heading to the port for another sail across the Aegean. This time it's a short ferry with the journey from Mykonos to Paros taking around 45 minutes. 

After the craziness of Mykonos, Paros makes a welcome change although it's still pretty busy, especially in the summer months. Ferries to Paros will take you to Parikia which is the island's capital. Have a coffee and explore the beautiful Old Town before heading to the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa where we'd recommend staying.

Paros can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you make it. As well as exploring boutiques and admiring the charming streets, you can also head to the beach. Some of the most popular beaches in Paros include Golden Beach, a great spot for windsurfing, Kolymbithres Beach with its dramatic rock formations and the lively Santa Maria Beach. You can also do a boat trip to nearby Antiparos. If that's not adventurous enough for you, there are also hiking trails offering beautiful views of the island.

On an evening, you'll be spoiled for choice. From traditional Greek taverns to romantic waterfront bars and cool clubs, you can make your evening as low-key or lively as you want to.

Mykonos to Paros ferry information:

Average time: 45 minutes
Fastest ferry: 40 minutes
Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries, SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries
First ferry: 09:50

Day 4: Paros – Naxos

On day 4 of your Greece itinerary, it's time to discover the biggest of the Cyclades Islands; Naxos. Boasting a diverse landscape made up of lush mountains and sandy beaches, Naxos is basked in natural beauty.

Ferries from Paros to Naxos take just 40 minutes on average and arrive at Naxos port which is conveniently located in the heart of Naxos Town, with shops, cafes, restaurants and accommodation all just a stone's throw from the port.

Once you've dropped your luggage off at your accommodation, head to Naxos Old Town (Chora). Wander through the beautiful flower-covered streets, stopping at local shops and discovering which taverna to head to that evening. Here you'll also find Kastro, a Venetian castle. After exploring the town, head to Portara, the Temple of Apollo, a large marble doorway and part of an unfinished ancient Greek temple.

Afterwards, it's time to experience what Naxos is known for - it's beautiful beaches. You're spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches in Naxos. We'd recommend heading to either Agios Prokopios Beach, Agia Anna Beach or Plaka Beach. Expect golden sands and clear turquoise waters.

On an evening, Naxos is more laid-back than places like Mykonos. We'd recommend eating in Naxos Town where you'll find countless restaurants and bars.

Paros to Naxos ferry information:

Average time: 40 minutes
Fastest ferry: 25 minutes
Operators: Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets
First ferry: 10:00

Day 5: Naxos – Santorini

Enjoy a lazy morning in Naxos, exploring more of the Old Town, heading to another beach or just simply enjoying the peace and quiet before catching a ferry to Santorini. Santorini is a must for first time visitors to the Greek Islands. Although it's very busy, it's a stunning island with postcard-perfect views at every turn. 

Ferries from Naxos to Santorini only take around 1 hour 35 minutes and arrive at Athinios port which is located on the southwest side of the island. From Athinios port you can hop on a bus to Fira, a journey which takes around 25 minutes. 

Spend some time exploring Fira, the island's capital. It's a lively place with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and of course - breathtaking views. After lunch, why not delve into the island's history with a trip to the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, an important prehistoric settlement? Nearby, you'll also find Red Beach. Stop here to take some photos of the incredible red volcanic cliffs.

Afterwards, head back to Fira to indulge in a delicious Greek dinner in one of the many tavernas lining the winding streets.

Naxos to Santorini ferry information:

Average time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Fastest ferry: 1 hour 5 minutes
Operators: Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets
First ferry: 00:35

Day 6: Santorini

Now you've nearly completed your 7-day Greece itinerary, you can relax and spend a full day exploring this idyllic island. Or, if you prefer to be on the move, why not take the 35 minute ferry ride across to Ios for the day? Alternatively, you can save Ios for your next trip!

Although Santorini is not famous for its beaches, there are plenty of them if you'd just like to spend the day lying back and relaxing. However, we'd recommend taking a boat tour and seeing the island from a different perspective. You can sail around the caldera and swim in hot springs. Many boat tours also stop at Santorini's volcanic crater, giving you the option to hike up it.

However you spend your day in Santorini, we recommend heading to Oia for late afternoon. Oia is simply beautiful with whitewashed houses draped with bougainvillea and topped with bright blue domes. Wander the charming streets and enjoy a cocktail with a caldera view at one of the many bars before experiencing what Santorini is so famous for - its magical sunsets. 

Day 7: Santorini – Athens

On the last day of your Greek Island itinerary, spend the morning ticking off any remaining Santorini must-dos or just soaking up those beautiful caldera views with a good book and espresso before heading back to Athinios port.

We'd recommend getting a high-speed ferry across to Piraeus port. The fast ferry from Santorini to Athens takes just over 5 hours - relax and enjoy the Aegean views!

Once you've arrived at Piraeus port in Athens, you can either get a bus to the airport ready for your flight home or a metro or bus to the centre of Athens if you want to experience more of the ancient capital.

Santorini to Athens ferry information:

Average time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Fastest ferry: 5 hours 10 minutes
Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries and SeaJets
First ferry: 03:00

So, there you have it, your 7-day Greece itinerary that's perfect for first time visitors to the country. To make things easy when planning your trip to Greece, you can book all your ferries to the Greek Islands online at Direct Ferries.