8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Greece

  • Day 1: Athens
    From Athens International Airport: 30 minutes (20 km)

    Start your trip in Athens visiting the Acropolis - a significant ancient site of Athens located in the heart of the city. Don't miss the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the Theater of Dionysus, an ancient theater that was built at the foot of the Acropolis.

  • Day 2: Hydra
    From Piraeus Port: 1 hour and 20 minutes (16.5 nautical miles)

    Take a day trip to the charming island of Hydra, known for its beautiful beaches and peaceful setting. Enjoy a tranquil day at one of the beaches, take a stroll around the picturesque town, or hike up to the Monastery of Hydra which offers breathtaking views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

  • Day 3: Nafplio
    From Hydra via Piraeus Port: 2 hours and 30 minutes (83.6 km)

    Explore the charming town of Nafplio located in the Peloponnese peninsula. See the Bourtzi Castle, a Venetian fortress located in the middle of the harbor, and the Palamidi Fortress, a castle built on the top of a hill offering stunning views of the town and the sea.

  • Day 4: Delphi
    From Nafplio: 3 hours and 45 minutes (244 km)

    Learn about ancient Greece by visiting the Delphi archeological site located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Discover the rich history and mythology of ancient Greece, and see the Temple of Apollo and the Theater of Delphi.

  • Day 5: Meteora
    From Delphi: 2 hours and 30 minutes (156 km)

    Visit the stunning rock formations and monasteries of Meteora. Explore the Monastery of the Holy Trinity and the Monastery of Rousanou, two of the six medieval monasteries that are built on top of the rocks. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of these incredible structures.

  • Day 6: Thessaloniki
    From Meteora: 2 hours and 30 minutes (159 km)

    Head to the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, known for its lively street cafes and restaurants. Stroll through the town center and see the White Tower, a 16th-century monument that is a symbol of the city. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki to learn more about the region's rich history and culture.

  • Day 7: Halkidiki
    From Thessaloniki: 1 hour and 15 minutes (71.2 km)

    Relax and recharge at the stunning beaches of Halkidiki, a region that consists of three peninsulas. Choose one of the many beaches to spend the day and enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports. In the evening, savor delicious seafood in one of the local tavernas.

  • Day 8: Athens
    From Halkidiki: 4 hours and 15 minutes (352 km)

    End your trip back in Athens, spending the last day exploring more of the city at your leisure. Shop at the Monastiraki Flea Market, visit the National Archaeological Museum, or simply enjoy a coffee and people-watch in the bustling Syntagma Square before departing for home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Acropolis (2-3 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Hydra Day Trip (8-10 hours, 80 EUR)
  • Nafplio (4-6 hours, 25 EUR)
  • Delphi (4-6 hours, 12 EUR)
  • Meteora (4-6 hours, 20 EUR)
  • Thessaloniki (4-6 hours, 30 EUR)
  • Halkidiki Beach (6-8 hours, 15 EUR)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): 222 EUR

Transportation

Throughout the trip, transportation will primarily be done by car or bus. One can easily rent a car at the Athens International Airport or take a bus from the station depending on the destination. Ferry and boat services are available for island hopping while internal flights services from Athens to Thessaloniki can be availed. The average cost of travel per person per day will vary depending on the mode of transport taken.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider extending your stay on Hydra, to explore other neighboring islands, like Dokos. If you have less time, consider cutting out a couple of stops, such as Thessaloniki, in order to focus more on particular regions.

Airports

Athens International Airport (ATH) is located in Spata, Attica, 20 km east of Athens city center. The total distance from Athens to Thessaloniki Airport Macedonia (SKG) is 312 km, with a travel time of around 4-5 hours.

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