Athens, the capital city of Greece, is an excellent starting point for your trip. Explore the iconic Acropolis Museum (8 am-8 pm, £20), which houses historical artefacts and statues from Athens' ancient past. Enjoy lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani (12 pm-10 pm, £10-15), and delve further into Greece's history with a visit to the impressive Parthenon Temple (8 am-8 pm, £12), located on top of the Acropolis Hill. In the evening, take a stroll in the vibrant Plaka District, with its picturesque alleys, delicious local restaurants, and shops.
Day two takes you to the ancient site of Delphi, which was believed to be the center of the world in ancient times. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo (9 am-6:30 pm, £12) and the Delphi Museum (9 am-6:30 pm, £9), showcasing the religious, political, and social life of the ancient city. For stunning views, hike up to the Mount Parnassus (9 am-6 pm, £8) peak.
On day three, journey to Meteora, which boasts incredible natural scenery and monasteries perched atop tall cliffs. Take a guided tour of the Great Meteoron Monastery (9 am-5 pm, £7), the largest and oldest of the monasteries, built-in the 14th century, and learn about its history and architecture. Enjoy lunch at Kastraki, a small traditional village, and proceed to Hiking Trails (8 am-8 pm, free) for a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Day four begins with a ferry ride from Athens to Santorini, a stunning volcanic island. Explore the unique Red Beach (8 am-8 pm, free) with crimson-hued sands, and enjoy a picturesque lunch by the sea at Amoudi Bay, which offers fresh seafood and stunning views of the cliffs. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Oia, a spectacular place to witness the sunset from.
On the fifth day, take a ferry from Santorini to Crete, the largest Greek island. Explore the Palace of Knossos (8 am-8 pm, £10) and immerse yourself in the amazing architectural creations of the Minoans, who lived around 2000 BC. Enjoy lunch at Stalida Beach, a family-friendly spot perfect for swimming and water sports. In the evening, take a stroll at the Old Venetian Harbour, where you can find cozy restaurants and cafes.
Hydra is an island that has preserved its beauty and attractiveness, with no cars or motorbikes, making it perfect for a day trip. Enjoy a peaceful walk on top of the island, with its numerous secluded bays and inlets. Take a guided tour to the Historic Archives Museum (10 am-3 pm, £7), which showcases the island's rich naval history, once a powerful maritime state. After lunch, take a stroll down the picturesque Harbour Front, and enjoy an afternoon by the sea.
On the last day, head to Nafplio, a charming town located on the east coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Take a tour of the Palamidi Castle (10 am-7 pm, £8), which sits on a ridge high above the town, the views are breathtaking. Stroll down the town's cobblestoned streets and explore the numerous shops and restaurants. For a unique experience, take a swim at the Arvanitia Beach, situated a short walk from the town.
You'll be taking ferries for longer trips, and renting a car to get around the various cities. To minimize your costs, plan your flights with affordable airlines, and consider booking ferries in advance to save costs. Total transportation expenses may range from £150-£300.
If you have more time, consider spending more days relaxing on some of Greece's stunning islands. There are numerous stunning destinations, and you can find an affordable hotel or resort to fit any budget. If you have less time, consider shortening your itinerary, or focusing on one area to see in greater detail.
Greece has several airports, the busiest being Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), located 20km east of Athens. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the city centre by public transportation, with links available 24 hours a day. Other major airports include Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) on the mainland, Heraklion International Airport (HER) in Crete, and Santorini International Airport (JTR).