Start your culinary journey in Athens with a delicious Greek breakfast of yogurt with honey and walnuts, olives, and feta cheese. Take a walking tour to explore the historic city center and visit the famous Acropolis museum. For lunch, enjoy traditional Greek souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, and tzatziki at a local taverna. In the evening, dive into the nightlife scene and savor local wine and meze plates in one of the many trendy rooftop bars.
Travel to the island of Naxos, where you'll explore the charming old town, visit the ancient Temple of Apollo, and walk along Agios Georgios beach. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch by the sea at a local taverna. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Greek dinner with moussaka and fresh catch-of-the-day grilled fish.
Arrive in Mykonos and wander around the picturesque alleys of Chora to find your next hidden gem eatery. Try the delicious Greek salad with juicy tomatoes and crispy cucumbers, or the savory grilled octopus. After lunch, take a dip at one of the famous beaches of Mykonos and enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the sea.
Start your day by savoring a traditional Greek breakfast with spanakopita and tiropita at a local cafe in Oia. Afterward, explore the impressive ruins of ancient Thira and head towards the black-sanded Perissa beach for some sunbathing and fresh seafood lunch. Witness the sunset at the caldera while sipping on local white wine, and end the day with a sublime sunset dinner at a fancy restaurant admiring the sunset view.
Arrive at Crete, where you'll try the famous and healthy Greek breakfast bowl with all kinds of fruits and nuts. Then, visit Knossos, the famous archaeological site and discover mythological stories of the Minoan civilization. Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch with a view in Chania, and experience an exceptional olive oil tasting next to olive tree groves. In the evening, try succulent lamb kleftiko with honeyed figs and a glass of Cretan wine at a seaside taverna.
Head towards Peloponnese and don't forget to grab some tasty Greek pastries on the way. Visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Mycenae. Enjoy a rustic lunch in the picturesque port town of Nafplio, and try the Agya fava, the local yellow split pea soup. Get back on the road and stop by the vineyards of Nemea to taste some famous Greek wines. End the day with a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant in Kalamata.
Arrive at Thessaloniki, a vibrant city full of foodies. Start your day with a traditional Bougatsa pastry in the heart of the city center. Then, visit the White Tower museum, stroll through the Aristotelous Square, and enjoy a lunch of koulouri bread rings and tasty souvlaki. In the evening, indulge in Meze - small dishes meant for sharing - consisting of calamari, tzatziki, meatballs, and saganaki cheese. Pair it with some local barrel-aged wine.
End your gastronomic journey in Athens, with a last breakfast of the famous Greek toast with melted cheese and ham. Head towards the trendy Monastiraki neighborhood and visit the famous flea market while stopping at street vendors to try freshly grilled souvlaki on the go. Take a stroll to the ancient Hadrian's Library, and end your trip with a farewell dinner consisting of marinated and grilled octopus, fava bean dip, and traditional Greek baklava.
The best way to travel within Greece is to take domestic flights or ferries, depending on the islands you are visiting. Consider taking a flight to cover long distances and a ferry to enjoy the scenic sea views. It's also worth renting a car to explore the Peloponnese region. Total travel cost for flights, ferries, and car rentals is estimated to be around $300.
If you have more time to visit Greece, consider exploring other islands such as Corfu and Zakynthos, or visit mainland destinations such as Meteora and Delphi. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Athens or visit only 2-3 islands. Remember to book your flights and accommodations way in advance to save money, and to check the opening and closing times of points of interest and restaurants.
Greece has 15 international airports, but the two most popular ones are Athens International Airport (ATH) and Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG). ATH is located in Spata, 12 miles northeast of Athens city center, while SKG is located 9 miles southeast of Thessaloniki city center. The distance between Athens and Thessaloniki is 206 miles, and flights from these two airports travel to all domestic destinations in Greece.