Welcome to Athens, the capital city of Greece! Spend your first day exploring the historic city center and acclimatizing to Greek culture. Visit the Acropolis, the ancient citadel, and the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. Stroll through the Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, and immerse in its narrow streets, traditional shops and cafes. End the day by enjoying traditional Greek food at one of Athens' local tavernas.
Take a ferry from the port of Piraeus to the picturesque island of Aegina. Visit the Temple of Aphaia, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, dating back to 500 BC. Walk around the island's capital, Aegina Town, and enjoy the local food and drink, such as souvlaki, pistachios, and the traditional liqueur called "Fistikino".
Take another ferry to the traffic-free island of Hydra, where you can enjoy traditional Greek architecture, cobblestone streets, and crystal clear waters. Visit the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Take a walk to the Hydra Museum Historical Archives to learn about the island's rich history and growth.
Take a ferry to Poros, a picturesque island with a rich cultural history. Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical building from 1906, to learn about the island's history from prehistoric times to the Roman era. Relax on the island's beaches and try the local honey and olives.
Take a ferry to the famous island of Santorini, known for its distinctive blue-domed houses perched on the cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. Explore the island's beaches, wineries, and museums. Visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri, a well-preserved prehistoric settlement dated from the Bronze Age, and the Prehistoric Museum of Thera to discover the Minoan civilization that flourished on the island. End the day with a breathtaking sunset view from the town of Oia.
Take a ferry to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, known for its nightlife and beaches. Walk through the picturesque town of Mykonos, with white-washed houses and red roofs, and discover the island's iconic windmills. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, with exhibits from the prehistoric to the Hellenistic period, the Mykonos Folklore Museum, displaying traditional island life, and the Panagia Paraportiani Church, an iconic example of Cycladic architecture.
Return to Athens and visit the National Archaeological Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Greece with its collections include some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greek art and culture. Explore the central neighborhoods of Athens, such as Exarchia and Kolonaki, and try more local cuisine. End your island-hopping journey with a walk through the National Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Athens.
You can reach all the islands by ferry or catamaran, and ferry tickets can be booked in advance online. The transportation cost varies between the islands but, on average, expect to pay €10-€30 per person per trip. Please note that the ferry schedules may depend on the season, so check them in advance.
If you have more time, consider extending your stay on one or more of the islands, particularly Santorini and Mykonos. These islands offer plenty of activities to keep you entertained. If you have less time, consider excluding some islands or activities, particularly Poros Island, and Hydra Island.
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is the main airport serving Athens, located about 30 km southeast of Athens city center, which can be reached by metro or bus. The metropolitan area of Athens is also served by several smaller airports, such as Athens Municipal Airport (HEW) and Tatoi Airport (LGTT).