10-Day Budget-Friendly Greece Road and Island Trip with Authentic Food and Nightlife

Day 1: Arrival Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on May 17, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek breakfast with traditional mezzes and cheese pastries in a charming deli setting, open from 8AM.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Acropolis and Parthenon

Explore the iconic ancient citadel with breathtaking views and rich history. Open 8AM - 8PM in May.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at O Thanasis

Taste authentic souvlaki and gyros in a casual, budget-friendly spot popular with locals. Open 12PM - 12AM.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods

Stroll through charming narrow streets filled with quaint shops and cafes. Ideal for afternoon relaxing and photos.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine on modern takes of authentic Greek cuisine with Acropolis views, offering great value for quality and ambiance. Open from 7PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

10:30PM

Nightlife at Six d.o.g.s

Experience a hip open-air bar with progressive music and creative cocktails, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Cover approx EUR10, 2-3 hours
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Day 2: Athens Culture and Lounges

Athens, Greece on May 18, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Meliartos

Try traditional Greek pies and fresh coffee at this bakery chain, a short drive from city center, opens 7AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

National Archaeological Museum

Explore Greece’s largest archaeological collection featuring ancient artifacts and sculptures.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at To Kati Allo

Enjoy home-style Greek cooking with simple yet flavorful dishes in a casual setting. Open 12PM - 11PM.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Mount Lycabettus and hike/ride cable car

Visit the highest point in Athens for panoramic views, accessible by cable car or a 20-minute hike.
EUR7 cable car, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Return for authentic meze dishes in an atmospheric deli, perfect for dinner this time. Reservation recommended.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

10:30PM

Night Out at Baba Au Rum

Discover a vibrant cocktail bar with a lively playlist of progressive and electronic music, perfect for a night cap.
Cover up to EUR15, 2-3 hours
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Day 3: Historic Sites and Road Trip Start

Athens to Nafplio, Greece on May 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick breakfast before setting off on your road trip. Choose a bakery with fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 45 minutes

8:30AM

Drive from Athens to Corinth and visit Ancient Corinth ruins

Explore the archaeological site and Museum of Ancient Corinth en route to Nafplio. Opens 8AM - 7PM.
EUR12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Continue drive to Nafplio

30-minute scenic drive to Nafplio, a picturesque seaside town known for its old town charm and beaches.
Free, 0.5 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Prosilio

Sample traditional Greek dishes with fresh ingredients, located in the old town with great atmosphere. Open 12PM-11PM.
EUR18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nafplio old town and Palaio Frourio fortress

Walk the beautiful streets and visit the 18th-century fortress with amazing views over the town and sea.
EUR8, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Karima

Enjoy authentic meze dishes at this affordable restaurant beloved by locals, offering cozy atmosphere. Open 7PM onward.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Night drinks at Shilla Night Bar

Relax with cocktails and chill progressive music near the waterfront.
Cover approx EUR10, 2 hours
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Day 4: Peloponnese Exploration

Nafplio and Epidaurus, Greece on May 20, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Iliokaliva

Enjoy a Greek traditional breakfast with coffee and pastries in the old town center. Opens at 8AM.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Epidaurus Ancient Theater

Visit this famed UNESCO site renowned for its incredible acoustics and history. Opens at 8AM.
EUR12, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local taverna near Epidaurus

Taste homemade Greek dishes at a budget-friendly local spot near the archaeological site.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Nafplio and relax at Karathona Beach

Spend a few hours swimming or relaxing at this scenic sandy beach just minutes from the town.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Fedra

Dine at an affordable restaurant offering local specialities with a romantic vibe in Nafplio's old town.
EUR22, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Night out at Komboloi Bar

Chill at this stylish bar with a great selection of cocktails and progressive music.
Cover approx EUR10, 2 hours
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Day 5: Drive to Athens & Ferry to Mykonos

Nafplio to Athens to Mykonos, Greece on May 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Quick breakfast before early morning drive back to Athens to catch the ferry.
EUR8, 45 minutes

8:30AM

Drive back to Athens

Drive approximately 2 hours to reach Piraeus port from Nafplio.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Return rental car at Athens and board ferry

Return your car and board the ferry to Mykonos. Ferry departs around noon.
EUR40 per person, 4 hours ferry

3:30PM

Check-in budget accommodation in Mykonos Town

Stay in a budget-friendly guesthouse close to nightlife and beach access.
EUR50 per night, 1 hour

5:30PM

Explore Mykonos Town (Chora)

Wander narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings, iconic windmills and waterfront for sunset views.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Nikolas Taverna

Traditional Greek seafood dishes in a casual, budget-friendly spot, popular with locals and tourists.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

10:30PM

Nightlife at Astra

Dance the night away with progressive music at one of Mykonos’s most famous and lively lounges.
Cover EUR15, 3 hours
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Day 6: Beaches and Nightlife in Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece on May 22, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kopanisti

Enjoy Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit in a beach cafe open from 8AM.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Psarou Beach

Sunbathe and swim on one of Mykonos’s most famous beaches with crystal clear waters.
Free entry, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Niko's Taverna

Try classic Greek dishes with scenic sea views at affordable prices, near the beach.
EUR18, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Explore exhibits of Cycladic art and island history. Open 8:30AM - 3PM on weekdays, open till 8PM on Wednesdays.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at To Maereio

Homey atmosphere with authentic Mykonian and Greek dishes, budget friendly and highly rated.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:30PM

Nightlife at Scorpios

Experience bohemian vibes with progressive DJs at this iconic Mykonos beach lounge and bar.
Cover EUR15-20, 3 hours
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Day 7: Mykonos Exploration & Relaxation

Mykonos, Greece on May 23, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jinny’s Gyros

Grab a classic Greek gyros or pita with coffee at this popular local spot, open early.
EUR8, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Day trip to Delos Island

Take a short boat tour to the UNESCO site of Delos, a sacred archaeological island. Boats start running at 9AM.
EUR25 ferry + EUR12 entry, 4 hours

3:30PM

Return and rest at hotel

Enjoy some downtime by pool or beach after the Delos excursion.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kiki’s Tavern

Savor grilled seafood and salads from a quaint no-electricity tavern near Agios Sostis Beach. Open till 8PM or sold out.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Evening drinks at Caprice Bar

Famous for cocktail and sunset views by Little Venice with chill progressive music.
Cover EUR10, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Athens

Mykonos to Athens, Greece on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Athens

Catch the morning ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus port, about 4 hours.
EUR40 per person, 4 hours

2:00PM

Check-in budget hotel in Athens

Choose a centrally located affordable hotel in Athens for final two nights.
EUR50 per night, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Monastiraki Flea Market & Ermou Street

Shop for souvenirs, antiques, and enjoy lively street scenes in downtown Athens.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at O Kostas

Try authentic Greek street food like souvlaki at this well-loved but wallet-friendly spot. Open till late.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30PM

Nightlife at Booze Cooperativa

Enjoy cocktails and electronic music in this casual but vibrant bar popular with locals.
Cover EUR10, 2-3 hours
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Day 9: Last Full Day Athens

Athens, Greece on May 25, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Loukoumades Kiritzi

Try traditional Greek honey donuts with coffee at this popular sweet spot, open from 8AM.
EUR8, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Byzantine and Christian Museum

Discover an impressive collection of Byzantine art and artifacts. Open 9AM - 5PM.
EUR8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Avli Tou Thodori

Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in a charming courtyard setting with reasonable prices, open 12PM - 10PM.
EUR18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at National Garden and Zappeion

Unwind walking through the beautiful public garden and visit the historic Zappeion hall.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Mani Mani

Celebrate your last night with modern Greek dishes inspired by Mani region, offering great quality at reasonable prices.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Night Out at six d.o.g.s

Return for another night of progressive music and cocktails at this trendy artistic venue.
Cover EUR10, 2-3 hours
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Day 10: Departure Day

Athens, Greece on May 26, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby bakery

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out and heading to airport.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive or taxi to Athens Airport

Allow ample time for international flight check-in and security procedures.
Taxi approx EUR40, 1 hour
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