Experience the culture of Greece by exploring its capital, Athens. Visit the iconic Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands on a hill above the city. The Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Temple of Athena Nike are among the ancient structures you'll see. Go for a relaxing stroll at the National Garden of Athens, a 158-acre oasis of greenery with lakes, ancient ruins, and monuments.
The car-free and stress-free Hydra Island is a lovely place to unwind. Take a boat tour, go swimming, or simply admire the island's beautiful architecture, including traditional stone houses and grand mansions that once belonged to wealthy merchant families. Visit the Historical Archive Museum of Hydra, an impressive building that contains photos, manuscripts, and historical documents.
The cosmopolitan Mykonos is known for its gorgeous beaches, eye-catching windmills, and world-class nightlife. You can, however, find peace and quiet on this island, especially if you head to the secluded beach of Agios Sostis. Walk around the Chora of Mykonos to see the colorful buildings and their flower-filled balconies or discover some new artworks in the Mykonos Art Gallery.
Savor a more laid-back attitude on the gorgeous island of Santorini. Travel to Oia, a charming village with white-washed houses and blue domes, and watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea. Visit young-artists' hangout Art Space Winery to discover groundbreaking contemporary art and indulge in local wines during summer events.
Crete is the largest Greek island and an ideal location for exploring ancient sites and relaxing beaches. Head to the resort town of Agia Pelagia for its beautiful sands and clear waters, or discover the island's rich history by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, filled with artifacts from the Minoan civilization. You can also explore pretty villages like medieval Gonia.
The beautiful island of Rhodes has a long history -- explore it by wandering around the historic Old Town and visiting the Grand Master's Palace and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Take a day trip to the Valley of the Butterflies, where thousands of colorful butterflies can be found amid the trees.
End your tour of Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki, a vibrant city with a lively food and drink scene. Take a stroll through the beautiful Aristotelous Square, and admire the art deco-style Olympion Theatre. Eat traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki and spanakopita in the lovely neighborhood of Ladadika, then take a sunset walk up Ano Poli, the highest spot in the city, for spectacular views.
Travelers to Greece may choose from a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, taxis, ferries, and flights. For this itinerary, we recommend taking ferries for the island hopping and flights for longer distances, such as Rhodes to Thessaloniki. Estimated travel costs including airfare, ground transportation, fuel, and parking fees are approximately €550.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular Greek islands like Naxos, Paros, or Corfu. For travelers with less time, choose one or two islands to explore or opt for a single destination like Athens for a more focused cultural experience.
Greece has 15 international airports, with Athens International Airport (ATH) being the largest and most connected. Other major airports include Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), Heraklion International Airport (HER) in Crete, and Rhodes International Airport (RHO). Many regional destinations can be reached by direct flights from ATH, while SKG is a hub for flights to and from the Balkans and Turkey. RHQ and HER offer many connections to other Greek islands.