Ultimate 2.5-Week Greece Itinerary: Athens to Santorini and Crete

Day 1: Arrival and Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Start your day with traditional Greek breakfast delicacies and strong coffee at this famous deli-meze spot open 9:00am-10:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Acropolis Museum

Explore ancient artifacts and the history of Athens' iconic Acropolis. The museum is open 8:00am-8:00pm and offers great insight into Greek heritage.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at O Thanasis

Enjoy authentic souvlaki and gyros near Monastiraki Square, open 12:00pm-12:00am, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tour the Acropolis and Parthenon

Walk around the ancient hilltop citadel, open 8:00am-8:00pm, to see stunning ruins and panoramic views of Athens.
EUR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through Plaka District

Wander the charming streets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with an Acropolis view enjoying upscale Greek cuisine; open 7:00pm-11:00pm, perfect for a memorable first-night meal.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 2: Athens Museums and Sunset Views

Athens, Greece on July 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Have a relaxed breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in the city center, open 7:30am-3:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

Discover the largest collection of Greek antiquities. The museum opens at 8:00am and closes at 8:00pm in summer.
EUR12, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Avissinia

Eat at this cozy spot at Monastiraki Flea Market, open from 10:00am-12:00am, for traditional Greek dishes.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax in National Garden of Athens

Escape the heat and enjoy a shaded walk in this calm botanical garden, open 7:00am-8:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Climb Lycabettus Hill

Take the funicular or hike up for the best sunset views over Athens and the Acropolis.
EUR7, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at GB Roof Garden Restaurant

Enjoy elegant dining with spectacular views overlooking the Acropolis, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 3: Athens to Mykonos Island

Athens to Mykonos, Greece on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Quick breakfast to fuel your ferry trip. Most bakeries open by 7:00am offering fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:00am

Ferry to Mykonos

Take a 2.5 to 3-hour ferry from Piraeus Port to Mykonos. Ferries operate early morning, book your tickets in advance.
EUR50, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Kiki's Tavern

Enjoy fresh seafood directly from the Aegean in this rustic and charming open-air tavern, open 12:30pm-6:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Relax at Agios Sostis Beach

Unwind at a less crowded beach with crystal clear waters and no sunbeds, perfect for a tranquil afternoon.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Explore Mykonos Town

Wander the narrow streets with whitewashed buildings, shop boutiques, and see the famous windmills.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at M-eating

Taste modern Greek cuisine with a great wine list, reservations recommended, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 4: Mykonos Beaches and Culture

Mykonos, Greece on July 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nice n Easy

Organic and local Greek breakfast options served from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Delos Island

Take a 30-minute boat tour from Mykonos to this UNESCO archaeological site (10:00am-3:00pm), exploring ancient ruins.
EUR30, 4h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Psarou Beach

Luxury beach club vibes, expensive but beautiful, perfect for people watching and swimming.
Free (food/beverages extra), 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset Cocktails at Caprice Bar

Iconic bar to watch the sunset with a cocktail in the Little Venice area.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Interni

A stylish restaurant blending Greek with international flavors; open 8:00pm-12:00am.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 5: Travel to Santorini

Mykonos to Santorini, Greece on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your ferry departure. Most hotels serve from 7:00-10:00am.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:00am

Ferry to Santorini

Approximately a 2-hour ferry ride from Mykonos to Santorini. Early morning ferries recommended for optimal day time.
EUR60, 2h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Selene

Renowned for fine dining with local ingredients in Pyrgos village, open 12:30pm-3:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Fira Town

Walk the streets of Santorini’s capital, visiting shops, museums, and the picturesque caldera views.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Archaeological Site of Akrotiri

Tour the preserved prehistoric city, open 8:30am-7:30pm in summer, showing advanced ancient civilization ruins.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Hidden gem in Exo Gonia village offering authentic Santorini flavors, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 6: Santorini Caldera Experience

Santorini, Greece on July 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Black Beach Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the famous volcanic black sand beach at Perissa, open 8:00am-1:00am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Boat Tour of the Caldera and Hot Springs

Take a 4-hour boat tour including stops at the volcanic islands and swimming in the warm hot springs.
EUR70, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pelekanos Restaurant

Traditional Greek taverna in Imerovigli village with spectacular views, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Oia Village

Famous for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings, perfect for an afternoon stroll and photos.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ambrosia

Fine dining in Oia with spectacular views, needs reservation; open 7:30pm-11:00pm.
EUR55, 2h0m
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Day 7: Santorini to Crete

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before ferry departure.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Ferry to Heraklion, Crete

Approximate 2-hour ferry ride to Crete, book tickets early to get a morning slot.
EUR45, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Large collection of Minoan artifacts, open 8:00am-8:00pm in summer.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Rustic Cretan cuisine emphasizing local organic ingredients, open 12:00pm-3:00pm and 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Heraklion city center and Koules Fortress

Walk the old Venetian harbor and fortress, open 8:00am-8:00pm, to experience Crete's rich history.
EUR6, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Seaside taverna with fresh seafood, great local atmosphere, open till late.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 8: Crete Adventure: Knossos and Elafonissi

Heraklion and Western Crete, Greece on July 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Energize with a hearty breakfast before the day’s excursions.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Palace of Knossos

Explore the ancient Minoan palace, open 8:00am-8:00pm, one of Europe's oldest archaeological sites.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Elafonissi Beach

About 3-hour drive; visit one of Crete’s most famous pink sand beaches with crystal waters.
Car rental EUR60/day, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at a beachside taverna in Elafonissi

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes with stunning beach views, tavernas typically open 12:00pm-6:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Elafonissi Beach

Swim, sunbathe, and explore the unique lagoon area noted for its shallow pink-hued water.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Return to Heraklion and Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy a late dinner with a focus on fresh Cretan cuisine, open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 9: Crete: Chania Exploration

Chania, Crete, Greece on July 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Chania

Morning 2.5-hour drive or bus trip to Chania, the charming city with Venetian architecture.
Car rental or bus EUR20, 2h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Well of the Turk

Eat modern Greek breakfast dishes in the heart of Chania’s old town, open from 8:00am.
EUR12, 1h0m

12:00pm

Explore Chania Old Town and Harbor

Stroll through narrow alleys, visit the Maritime Museum, and see the Venetian lighthouse, open until 5:00pm.
Museum EUR6, 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Try delicious Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine in a lively setting, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Short walk from old town, great for swimming and sunset watching.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bodega

Cozy tapas-style restaurant with great wine selection, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 10: Crete to Athens and Departure Prep

Chania to Athens, Greece on July 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Final Cretan breakfast before flight back to Athens.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Flight from Chania to Athens

Quick 1-hour flight connecting Crete to Athens, many options daily.
EUR60, 1h0m

10:00am

Check into Athens hotel

Relax and freshen up before last day activities.
Variable, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Benaki Museum

Explore Greek culture and art spanning centuries; open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Oineas Restaurant

Contemporary Greek dishes in vibrant nightlife and dining area, open 12:00pm-12:00am.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Last minute shopping at Ermou Street

Popular shopping street with boutiques and souvenir shops, great for gifts and mementos.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Modern Greek fusion cuisine with views of the Acropolis, open 7:00pm-10:30pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 11: Departure Day

Athens, Greece on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final meal in Greece with a view if possible.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Athens International Airport

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time from city center for international flights.
EUR40 (taxi), 1h0m
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