How many days do you need in Greece?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Greece, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Greece?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Greece. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Cultural and Coastal Adventure in Greece

Day 1: Ancient Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mokka Specialty Coffee

Start your day with traditional Greek coffee and a freshly baked pastry at Mokka. A perfect energiser before exploring the city.

EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Acropolis and Parthenon Visit

Visit the iconic ancient citadel of Athens, the Acropolis, and admire the Parthenon temple. It's best to come early to avoid crowds and heat. Opens at 8:00am.

EUR20, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek mezze and cured meats in this charming restaurant, well-loved for its local flavours and welcoming atmosphere.

EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Acropolis Museum

Explore the modern Acropolis Museum showcasing artefacts from the Acropolis rock. Open 8:00am–8:00pm in May for a relaxed afternoon visit.

EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Plaka District

Stroll through the historic Plaka neighbourhood with its narrow streets, shops, and cafés under the Acropolis slopes.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine with views of the Acropolis at Kuzina, offering creative Greek cuisine blending tradition and innovation.

EUR35, 2h

Find Hotels in Athens

Day 2: Delphi Historical Site

Delphi, Greece on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast on site, with fresh bread, olives, honey and local cheeses.

Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Delphi

Leave Athens by road (approx. 2h30m drive) for the ancient archaeological site of Delphi.

EUR30 (transport), 2h30m

12:00pm

Delphi Archaeological Site Visit

Explore the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theatre and the Delphi Museum, absorbing the mystical atmosphere of the former oracle site. Site open 8:00am–8:00pm.

EUR12, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Vakchos

Enjoy local cuisine and spectacular mountain views at this family-run taverna near the Delphi site.

EUR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Meteora

Drive northwest towards Meteora (approx. 3h), famous for its monasteries perched atop rock pillars.

EUR40 (transport), 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Meteora Restaurant

Rest and enjoy traditional Greek dishes at this cozy restaurant near Meteora’s hotels.

EUR25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Delphi

Day 3: Meteora Monasteries Tour

Kalabaka, Greece on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Have a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse to prepare for a day of hiking and exploration.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit several of the six monasteries open to the public, marvel at the stunning views and learn about the Byzantine monastic life. Monasteries open around 9:00am to 4:00pm, closed on certain weekdays.

EUR3 per monastery, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Meteora Taverna

Relish local dishes with ingredients sourced from nearby organic farms.

EUR22, 1h

3:00pm

Hiking and Scenic Views

Take scenic walking trails around Meteora’s rock formations for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Drive to Thessaloniki

Drive east to Thessaloniki (approx. 3h), Greece’s vibrant second city.

EUR35 (transport), 3h

9:30pm

Light Dinner or Drinks at La Doze Bar

Enjoy a relaxed evening with craft cocktails or light bites in the city centre.

EUR20, 1h

Find Hotels in Kalabaka

Day 4: Thessaloniki City Culture

Thessaloniki, Greece on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Estrella

Try traditional bougatsa (sweet or savoury) and artisanal coffee at this popular café.

EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit White Tower and Waterfront

Explore the iconic White Tower and the Neromylos artistic area along the waterfront promenade.

EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Discover artefacts from Macedonia’s rich history in this well-curated museum open 8:30am–3:30pm.

EUR8, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ergon Agora

Relish contemporary Greek cuisine in a modern market setting with fresh local produce.

EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Ano Poli (Upper Town) Walk

Wander the charming, historic upper town with Byzantine walls and panoramic city views.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sebriko

Experience innovative Greek dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.

EUR40, 2h

Find Hotels in Thessaloniki

Day 5: Santorini Island Relaxation

Santorini, Greece on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early Flight or Ferry to Santorini

Take an early morning flight (approx. 1h) or ferry (approx. 4h) from Thessaloniki to Santorini to maximise your time.

EUR60 (flight), 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Patisserie Sugar Vibes

Enjoy sumptuous pastries and coffee with views of the Santorini caldera.

EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Oia Village Exploration

Stroll through the iconic clifftop village renowned for its whitewashed buildings and blue domes. Ideal for photos and boutique shopping.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Dine on fresh seafood right by the water’s edge in Ammoudi Bay, below Oia.

EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Tour of Santorini Caldera

Take a 3-hour boat tour including volcanic hot springs, offering stunning views and swimming opportunities.

EUR50, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at Oia Castle

Witness one of the world’s most famous sunsets from Oia’s castle ruins.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Enjoy authentic local dishes paired with fine Santorini wines in a welcoming atmosphere away from the crowds.

EUR35, 2h

Find Hotels in Santorini

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Coastal Adventure in Greece

Day 1: Ancient Athens Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Delphi Historical Site

7:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Meteora Monasteries Tour

8:00am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

9:30pm

Day 4: Thessaloniki City Culture

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Santorini Island Relaxation

6:00am

8:30am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

More About Greece

Plan Your Greece Trip