I spent 12 days in Greece and it was such an amazing trip so I want to share it with you. However, I actually added on two days mid-way through my trip so I could see Santorini. Originally, it wasn’t part of my travel plans, but I’m so glad I added on those two extra days. However, I wanted to share a 10-day Greece itinerary with you because that is the length of time most people look to spend in Greece. I am sharing with you all of the details of a Greece 10-day itinerary including visiting Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. 

10 Day Greece Itinerary

Athens: Day 1-2

To start off your 10 day Greece Itinerary, we flew into Athens. This is where most people will start their trip as it’s a lot cheaper to fly into Athens and it is so easy to fly from Athens to the islands or take the ferries. Day 1 will simply be acclimating to the new culture and timezone. Athens is the capital of Greece and is very rich in history. It is probably best known for the Acropolis, where you’ll get to see the iconic Parthenon and the magnificent Erechtheion. Besides the Acropolis, there are a few other things you should definitely consider doing. Here are a few.

Things to Do in Athens

Acropolis: If you choose to visit, I’d high suggest you visit first thing in the morning or later in the evening. The crowds will be less and the temperatures will be lower. We had a guided tour, which I really enjoyed. You can book through several different places. This is the tour we booked.
Acropolis Museum: Discover the impressive collection of artifacts from the Acropolis site, providing insights into the ancient civilization and showcasing exquisite sculptures. We didn’t visit, but if you love museums, I’m sure the Acropolis Museum would be really neat. Here’s where to buy skip-the-line tickets.
Plaka: Wander through the charming streets of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Explore its traditional houses, quaint shops, and tavernas offering delectable Greek cuisine. This is another place I was told to visit but didn’t end up having time. If you do have the time, I heard Plaka was very cool.
Monastiraki Flea Market: Indulge in a shopping spree at Monastiraki, a bustling market where you can find everything from unique souvenirs to antiques and local handicrafts. Make sure you bring some cash with you! A lot of street vendors will take cards, but many will only take cash. I needed Euros for two things on this trip – street vendors and taxis. 
National Garden of Athens: During my photoshoot, I had the chance to visit the National Garden of Athens. It was a lovely and expansive garden. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend some of your time in Athens, a stroll through this garden is it. The cool thing about the garden is that you can see historical ruins throughout the garden. 

You can spend one or two nights in Athens, depending on when your flight gets in. If you arrive early in the morning, I would suggest you only spend one night in Athens and fly or take a ferry to Mykonos on the second day. This would give you an extra day to add to one of the other Islands. 

If you arrive in the morning, you could easily see the Acropolis on your first day in Athens, along with the other three suggestions I mentioned above. It’s not to say that you couldn’t spend more time in Athens. There is plenty to do there. However, when people think of Greece, they are often more excited to explore islands than Athens.

I’ve been to many large cities in Europe, and for me, Athens was just OK. I do think where you stay matters. If I were to return, I would stay much more central to the Acropolis area. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I think I’d stay here. Ironically, my photographer suggested we meet at this hotel. It was absolutely stunning and the area around the hotel was also some of the nicest in the city. We had dinner at this rooftop, which I’d highly recommend.

Mykonos: Day 3-4

You can either fly or take the ferry to Mykonos. I want to be straightforward with you that the ferries are not my favorite. Honestly, I might fly to each of the islands next time I visit, because the flights are so simple. The ferries are not that complicated, but they are crowded and kind of annoying. 

But once you arrive in Mykonos, I’m sure you’ll be glad you visited. Honestly, I was expecting to hate Mykonos given how everyone talks about how touristy it is and how it’s just a party island. I didn’t really feel that way about visiting here. I think part of the reason it didn’t feel that way is because we stayed at a hotel a little ways out from Mykonos town. Also thought Mykonos town was very charming.

The only real party vibe I got was our day at the Scorpios Beach Club. Beach clubs are definitely a thing to do in Mykonos. We had a great time at Scorpios, but it was very windy, which I found a bit annoying. I honestly didn’t love Mykonos because of how windy it was, so preferred when we were actually in Mykonos town. However, it’s still a really beautiful island. I enjoyed checking out the Windmills, and also our hotel stay was out of this world. I’d go back simply to stay at that hotel.

Things to Do in Mykonos

Mykonos Town: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town, adorned with dazzling white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and vibrant bougainvillea.
Windmills of Kato Mili: Visit the iconic windmills of Mykonos, a symbol of the island’s rich history. Enjoy panoramic views of the town and capture stunning photographs.
Paradise Beach: Experience the lively beach culture of Mykonos at Paradise Beach. Relax on sun loungers, enjoy water sports, and soak up the vibrant party atmosphere at beach clubs.
Delos Island: Take a day trip to the nearby island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the archaeological ruins, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of Apollo.

One of the highlights of our trip to Mykonos was a day trip to Delos, which included a private boat ride. This is the tour we did. I really enjoyed this day tour because it was so nice to be out on the water in a private boat, and it was one of the best meals I had on the trip. Also, stopping at Delos was really cool because we had a chance to check out the ruins and take in the history of the island. 

Paros: Day 6-7

As part of your 10 day Greece Itinerary, you will definitely want to visit Paros. Paros was one of my favorite stops on my trip to Greece. We took the ferry from Mykonos to Paros, which was easy. It felt less annoying than the first ferry from Athens to Mykonos.  Paros was one of my favorite stops because it felt so much less touristy and so quaint compared to the other places we visited.

Parikia is the capital city and has traditional whitewashed houses and narrow alleys. We walked through Parikia when we first arrived and happened upon the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani, an impressive Byzantine church. Probably my absolute favorite part of our time in Greece was spending time in Naoussa. It is a picturesque fishing village known for its quaint harbor and charming tavernas. There are so many cute shops and places to eat in this area. We stayed here, which was a 15-30 minute drive from most places in Paros. 

Things to Do in Paros

Parikia: Explore the capital of Paros, Parikia, with its narrow alleys, traditional Cycladic houses, and the impressive Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
Naoussa: Visit the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, known for its enchanting harbor, colorful Venetian buildings, and charming tavernas. Enjoy fresh seafood and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.
Golden Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Golden Beach, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at windsurfing or simply unwind on the pristine shoreline.
Lefkes: Take a journey inland to the charming village of Lefkes, nestled amidst lush greenery. Wander through its narrow stone-paved streets and enjoy panoramic views of the island. One day, we headed up to Lefkes in the rain and walked around the tiny little village. It was cute, but I would choose to spend more time in Naoussa over going to Lefkes.

Santorini: Day 8-9

We took a ferry from Paros to Santorini. I’m not sure if you could fly easily, but I assume there is a choice to fly vs. ferry. It was super easy to take this ferry, but it was kind of a long time on the boat.  I almost didn’t go to Santorini but I’m so glad I added on a few extra days. We stayed at this beautiful hotel. Although it didn’t have the most amazing views of Oia, it was still such a special hotel experience.

Santorini is by far the most beautiful of the places I visited during my 10-day Greece Itinerary. You will be mesmerized by its dramatic cliffs, dazzling sunsets, and stunning caldera views. There is a lot to do in Santorini. You will want to explore the iconic village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches and narrow winding streets. You could also discover the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the Minoan civilization. If you want to do the beach thing, Santorini has unique black or red sand beaches, such as Perissa or Kamari. 

Things to do in Santorini

Oia: Witness breathtaking sunsets from the picturesque village of Oia. Explore its narrow streets, admire the blue-domed churches, and browse through boutique shops and art galleries.
Fira: Discover the capital of Santorini, Fira, with its vibrant atmosphere, cliffside restaurants, and stunning views of the caldera. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Red Beach: Experience the unique beauty of Santorini’s Red Beach, characterized by its distinct red volcanic cliffs. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and soak up the striking landscape.
Winery Tours: Indulge in wine tasting and vineyard tours in Santorini, known for its exceptional volcanic wines. Visit local wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the flavors of the island.

Sunset Cruise: One thing you might want to do is take a sunset cruise. We did a catamaran cruise, although I would prefer to do a smaller more intimate one next time. 

Return to Athens: Day 10

For your last day, you’ll fly from Santorini to Athens for your departure, taking with you memories of incredible island adventures and the warmth of Greek hospitality. If you have time, you can sneak in a quick visit to the charming Plaka neighborhood, where you can find traditional tavernas and souvenir shops. You can reflect on your trip as you take in the views from Lycabettus Hill, offering a panoramic vista of the city.

I hope this 10 day Itinerary for Greece was helpful in your planning for your next vacation. If you are looking for a Greece 7 days Itinerary, I’d suggest you skip Mykonos and just visit Paros and Santorini. But if you have 10 days in Greece, then definitely take in Mykonos, Paros and Santorini. If you have more time and you’re planning a trip to Greece for more than 10 days, I’d also suggest you check out Crete and Milos. I’ve heard really amazing things about both, and would definitely like to go back to visit those and other islands next time.   

No matter where you go during your 10 days in Greece, I am certain you will have an amazing time. It is a gateway to a world of ancient wonders, stunning beaches, and unforgettable moments. From the historical treasures of Athens to the lively streets of Mykonos, the tranquil beauty of Paros, and the awe-inspiring vistas of Santorini, you’ll be immersed in the magic of the Aegean. 

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