8-Day Ultimate Greece Itinerary: Athens, Santorini, and Crete Adventure

Day 1: Historic Athens

Athens, Greece on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Start your day with delicious traditional Greek pastries and coffee at Meliartos, located near Syntagma Square, open daily from 7am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Acropolis and Parthenon

Visit the iconic Acropolis complex, exploring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It's open 8am to 7pm in May.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek cold cuts and meze at this beloved deli restaurant, open 12pm-12am.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

National Archaeological Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest collections of Greek antiquities; the museum is open 8am-8pm in May.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through Plaka

Stroll through the charming historic neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis for shops and scenic corners.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with a spectacular Acropolis view, serving classic Greek cuisine with a modern touch. Reservation recommended.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Athenian Discoveries

Athens, Greece on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Avissinia

Enjoy traditional Greek coffee and fresh pastries in Monastiraki’s bustling square, open from 8am.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

Explore the ancient marketplace and well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, open 8am-7pm in May.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Oineas Restaurant

Located in Psiri, Oineas offers a great selection of traditional Greek dishes with a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Acropolis Museum

Spend your afternoon admiring artefacts from the Acropolis, with modern architecture and interactive exhibits. Open 9am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Mount Lycabettus

Hike or take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of Athens, ideal at sunset. Open 9am-10:30pm.
EUR7 return funicular, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Manas Kouzina-Kouzina

Enjoy an elegant dinner in Psiri that focuses on local, fresh ingredients and seasonal menus.
EUR30, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini, Greece on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your hotel or nearby bakery

Grab a quick Greek coffee and koulouri (sesame bread ring) before heading to the port or airport.
EUR5, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel Ferry to Santorini

Take the high-speed ferry from Piraeus Port to Santorini (approx. 5 hours). Book tickets in advance.
EUR70, 5h

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy traditional Santorinian dishes with a view, open noon to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Fira town

Wander the cliffside capital’s shops, museums, and cafes. Perfect introduction to Santorini’s charm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Oia Castle

Hop on a bus or taxi to Oia for one of the most famous sunsets in the world. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
EUR3 bus, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna

Enjoy fresh seafood right on Ammoudi Bay, open evenings until 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Santorini Adventure

Santorini, Greece on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Start the day with creative bakery items and coffee in Fira, open from 8am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Volcano Hike and Hot Springs

Take a boat tour to the volcano island Nea Kameni for a hike and swim at the hot springs. Tours operate 9am-3pm.
EUR25, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at To Psaraki

Dine on fresh seafood on the quieter side near Vlychada beach, open from 12pm to 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Kamari Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and lounging at Kamari's black sand beach.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Selene

Experience fine dining with Santorini’s finest ingredients and views, dinner from 7pm.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Santorini to Crete

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a quick breakfast before the morning ferry to Crete.
EUR6, 0.5h

8:30am

Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion

Travel by ferry (about 2 hours), arriving in Crete’s capital – Heraklion.
EUR40, 2h

11:00am

Visit Palace of Knossos

Explore ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization, open 8am-8pm in May.
EUR15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Serves traditional Cretan cuisine in a rustic atmosphere, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Discover one of the best collections of Minoan artefacts; open 8am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Evening stroll and coffee at Lions Square

Relax in the lively town square, ideal for people watching and traditional kafenio drinks.
EUR5, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy freshly caught fish with sea views to round off your day.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Chania

Chania, Crete, Greece on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya

Start with a creative menu of breakfast dishes and coffee in a stylish setting, open 8am.
EUR9, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Chania (from Heraklion, approx. 2.5 hour drive or bus)

Journey to the charming city of Chania, known for its Venetian harbour and old town.
EUR15 bus, 2.5h

12:00pm

Explore Venetian Harbour and Old Town

Wander the picturesque streets, visit shops, and historic sites including the lighthouse.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Taste local Cretan dishes, with a homey atmosphere in the old town.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Maritime Museum of Crete

Learn about Crete’s rich seafaring history, open 9am-3pm, closed Mondays.
EUR4, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Enjoy some down time at this nearby beach just a short walk from the harbour.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Salis

Modern Cretan cuisine served with local ingredients and excellent wine pairings.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Crete Countryside

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a day trip with a substantial Cretan breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Elafonissi Beach

Drive or take a tour to this spectacular pink sand beach and protected lagoon, famed for its turquoise waters. Leave early for the 3-hour journey.
EUR40 (tour), 8h

5:00pm

Return to Heraklion

Relax after a refreshing day at the beach during the journey back.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Kanali Restaurant

Celebrate your last night in Crete with authentic Cretan dishes by the sea.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Athens

Athens, Greece on May 28, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your travel transfer.
Included, 0.5h

7:00am

Flight or ferry transfer to Athens

Return to Athens via morning flight from Heraklion (approx. 1 hour) or ferry (about 8 hours). Flight recommended for time.
EUR60 flight, 1h

9:00am

Visit Monastiraki Flea Market

Browse souvenirs, jewellery and antiques before departure. Shops open from 9am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Evripides Café

Have a final light meal with Greek coffee and snacks near Syntagma Square.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Head to Athens Airport

Allow 1 hour travel time for international departure.
EUR38 taxi, 1h
View Hotel Availability