Land at ATH, clear passport control and pick up any pre-booked SIM/tickets; allow 60–90 minutes for arrival formalities. Take a taxi (≈40 min) or the express X95 bus/Metro to central Athens.
Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon — iconic ancient citadel with panoramic city views. In September the site is typically open roughly 8:00am–7:00pm but check seasonal hours and prebook tickets to skip lines.
Wander the atmospheric lanes of Plaka and the whitewashed Anafiotika neighborhood beneath the Acropolis for photos and souvenirs; many shops stay open into the evening.
Dine at a rooftop taverna with Acropolis views (Strofi or Dionysos Zonar's) for classic Greek mezze and grilled specialties; reservations advised for the terrace at sunset.
Have a nightcap in Monastiraki or a rooftop bar; relax — you have an early island departure next morning. Note: many bars are open late; check closing times.
Take taxi or pre-booked transfer to Piraeus (approx 45–60 min) for most Paros ferries; Rafina is used by some lines — check your ferry operator and terminal.
Board a ferry to Paros; high-speed options take ~3–4 hours, conventional ~4–5 hours. Morning departures get you into Paros before afternoon. Book in advance (esp. Sept).
Head to Kolymbithres (unique granite rock formations and shallow coves) or stroll Naoussa’s charming harbor for shops and cafés; beaches are open daily, no entry fee.
Enjoy fresh seafood and local wines at a well-regarded taverna; ask for the catch of the day. Many restaurants stay open through 10:30pm in high season.
Take the 10–15 minute local ferry from Paros to Antiparos for a relaxed half-day — walk the main town, visit coves, or take a boat to the Antiparos Cave (cave usually open ~09:00–18:00).
Head to popular windsurfing beaches (Golden Beach or Santa Maria) for swimming, sunbathing or trying water sports; beach facilities generally operate until sunset.
Reserve a table at M-eating in Mykonos Town for modern Greek cuisine; note Kiki's Tavern (Agios Sostis) is cash-only and opens generally at lunchtime — check hours and transport.
Take the scheduled boat from Mykonos to Delos (boats depart around 9:00–10:00am). Explore the extraordinary ruins and open-air museum — Delos is typically open 8:00am–3:00pm; a guided visit is recommended.
Dine at a seaside restaurant then sample Mykonos nightlife — many clubs open late; check opening times for venues and book tables in advance during high season.
Early breakfast and last-minute prep; ferries to Santorini depart at a few times daily — the high-speed ferry takes ~2.5–3.5 hours depending on operator.
Board a direct high-speed ferry (booked in advance). Arrival at Athinios port around midday will get you to your hotel in Fira or Oia in time to explore the caldera.
If energy allows, walk a scenic section of the Fira→Oia trail (consider doing only a shorter stretch) or take a taxi/cable car to explore the caldera towns and museums; check trail/weather conditions.
Visit the Red Beach (access by short walk) and the archaeological site of Akrotiri (usually open 9:00am–19:00/20:00 in September — check exact hours and close days).
Board the popular sunset catamaran/cruise (many operators depart 15:30–17:00) that sails the caldera, visits the hot springs/volcano, includes swimming/snorkeling and a sunset dinner — check exact departure time when booking. Cruises typically return ~8:30–9:30pm.
Early breakfast then tackle the full Fira→Oia hike (approx 2.5–4 hours depending on pace) for dramatic caldera views — start early to avoid midday sun and carry water.
Book a last-night table at a caldera-view restaurant (e.g., Ambrosia or a recommended spot) to savor sunset tones and refined Santorinian cuisine; confirm opening hours and reserve.
If your outbound flight is from Athens on 21 Sep, you’ll need an early flight SANT→ATH (approx 45 mins) or an overnight hydrofoil is not practical; if flying home directly from Santorini, check international flight schedules. Book transfers at least 24 hours ahead.
Many morning flights SANT→ATH depart early; allow standard check-in and security time. If your international departure is from Athens later the same day, build a generous connection buffer.
If you land in Athens to connect to an international flight, collect luggage and transfer to the airport departure terminal or hotel as needed; ensure you account for check-in time for your international carrier.
If you have a later international flight, consider a quick Athens city stop (one-night was planned only at the start) — otherwise, farewell and safe flight home.